Picture a Texas storyteller who spins tales of mystery, romance, and the Wild West with a carpenter’s precision—meet Livia J. Washburn! For over three decades, this prolific author has crafted critically acclaimed novels under various pen names, blending cozy mysteries with heart-pounding westerns and sweeping historical romances. Living in the Texas countryside with her husband, James Reasoner, and their beloved dogs, Washburn’s life is as vibrant as her stories, infused with creativity from her passions for carpentry, cooking, and art.
From her award-winning Fresh-Baked Mystery series to her gripping westerns, Washburn’s storytelling captivates readers with vivid settings and relatable characters. Her unique ability to weave her diverse experiences into her narratives makes her a standout in the literary world, inviting readers to lose themselves in her richly crafted worlds.
The Making of Livia J. Washburn
Born and raised in Azle, Texas, Livia J. Washburn (also known as Livia Reasoner) grew up in a small town northwest of Fort Worth, surrounded by the smells of her parents’ beauty shop and the chaos of two older brothers. Her love for storytelling began early, sparked by adventures like setting off Roman candles indoors (a tale she laughs about now). Washburn started her writing career alongside her husband, James Reasoner, a New York Times bestselling author. Typing his manuscripts as a high school senior, she imagined new directions for stories, laying the foundation for her own creative journey. Her first story, “The Lord Will Provide,” appeared in Mike Shayne Mystery Magazine in 1980, and by 1983, her first novel, The Emerald Land, was published under the pseudonym Livia James.
Livia J. Washburn’s Unforgettable Stories
Washburn’s bibliography is a treasure trove of genres, showcasing her versatility across mystery, western, romance, and historical fiction. Her Fresh-Baked Mystery series, featuring retired teacher Phyllis Newsom, is a reader favorite, blending cozy small-town charm with amateur sleuthing. A Peach of a Murder (2006), the series’ debut, introduces Phyllis navigating a murder at a peach festival, complete with recipes that delight culinary fans. The series, now spanning 14 novels, including Death Bakes a Pecan Pie, is praised for its humor, warmth, and twisty plots.
In the western genre, Washburn shines with stories like Lizzy from the Mail Order Brides for Sale: The Remington Sisters boxed set, where Elizabeth Remington’s Alaskan adventure unfolds with romance and danger. Her Lucas Hallam mysteries, such as Wild Night (1987), set in 1920s Hollywood, earned her the Private Eye Writers of America Award and the American Mystery Award. Washburn’s writing style is vivid yet accessible, with strong female protagonists and settings that feel like characters themselves, from dusty Texas ranches to bustling festival grounds.
Her historical and paranormal romances, like Yesterday’s Flame (2000), explore time travel and love across eras, showcasing her knack for blending emotional depth with thrilling stakes. Whether writing as Livia J. Washburn, L.J. Washburn, or Elizabeth Hallam, her stories resonate with authenticity, drawing from her Texas roots and hands-on lifestyle.
Why Livia J. Washburn Matters
Livia J. Washburn’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that feel like home, whether she’s unraveling a murder or igniting a romance. Her Fresh-Baked Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, offering readers a comforting escape with a side of suspense. Her westerns and historical novels preserve the spirit of the American frontier, earning her accolades like the Peacemaker Award for “Charlie’s Pie.” By collaborating with her husband and mentoring new authors through Prairie Rose Publications, Washburn has fostered a community of storytellers, leaving a lasting mark on genre fiction.
Her life as a carpenter, artist, and cook mirrors her multifaceted narratives, inspiring readers to embrace creativity in all forms. Washburn’s resilience, seen in rebuilding her home after a wildfire, reflects the grit of her characters, making her a beloved figure in Texas literature.
- Pen Names: Livia J. Washburn, L.J. Washburn, Livia Reasoner, Elizabeth Hallam
- Key Works: A Peach of a Murder, Wild Night, Lizzy, Yesterday’s Flame
- Awards: Private Eye Writers of America Award, American Mystery Award, Peacemaker Award
Snag A Peach of a Murder and dive into Livia J. Washburn’s cozy, thrilling world of Texas mysteries!