Picture a Missouri storyteller who turned dusty auction houses into thrilling crime scenes—meet Loretta Ross! This historian-turned-mystery-writer burst onto the cozy mystery scene with her 2015 debut, Death and the Redheaded Woman, launching the beloved Auction Block Mystery series. With a knack for weaving history, suspense, and a touch of romance, Ross has carved a unique niche in contemporary fiction, enchanting readers with her quirky characters and intricate plots.
Rooted in rural Missouri, Ross’s stories brim with small-town charm and archaeological intrigue, reflecting her academic background and lifelong love of mysteries. Her tales aren’t just whodunits—they’re treasure hunts through time, blending humor and heart in a way that keeps you guessing and grinning.
The Making of Loretta Ross
Loretta Ross grew up in rural Missouri, where her passion for history and storytelling took root early. A graduate of Cottey College, she earned a BA in art history and archaeology from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Her academic journey fueled her fascination with the past, which later seeped into her novels’ richly detailed settings. Ross has loved mysteries since childhood, devouring classic whodunits that inspired her to craft her own. After years as a historian, she took a leap into fiction, blending her expertise with a playful narrative style that’s uniquely hers.
Loretta Ross’s Unforgettable Stories
Ross’s Auction Block Mystery series is her crowning achievement, kicking off with Death and the Redheaded Woman (2015). This debut introduces Wren Morgan, a sharp-witted auctioneer, and Death Bogart (pronounced “Deeth”), a former Marine turned bounty hunter. When Wren stumbles upon a dead body in a Victorian mansion, the duo teams up to solve a murder tied to a jewel heist and Civil War-era secrets. Critics praised its witty dialogue and clever plotting, with Booklist calling it a must-read for cozy fans.
The series continues with Death and the Brewmaster’s Widow (2016), where Wren and Death investigate the suspicious death of Death’s firefighter brother, uncovering secrets in an abandoned brewery. Death and the Gravedigger’s Angel (2017) delves into a World War I mystery, while Death and the Viking’s Daughter (2018) tackles a ghostly Viking reenactment gone wrong. Ross’s style shines through her blend of historical tidbits, light romance, and humor, creating mysteries that feel both fresh and timeless.
Her characters, especially Wren and Death, are the heart of her stories. Wren’s intelligence and grit pair perfectly with Death’s battle-scarred charm, their chemistry sparking laughter and swoons. Ross’s knack for small-town settings and quirky secondary characters—like the auction house owners—adds warmth and depth, making each book a cozy yet thrilling escape.
Why Loretta Ross Matters
Loretta Ross has left a quiet but meaningful mark on the cozy mystery genre. Her ability to blend archaeology and local Missouri history with accessible, engaging storytelling sets her apart. Fans adore her for crafting mysteries that balance suspense with heart, offering a refreshing take on the genre. While not a household name, Ross’s series has built a loyal following, with readers drawn to her authentic characters and meticulously researched plots.
Her work also resonates for its portrayal of resilience—characters like Death, a wounded veteran, and Wren, overcoming personal drama, reflect universal struggles wrapped in a fun, mystery-solving package. Ross’s stories remind us that even in small towns, big adventures await, making her a hidden gem for mystery lovers.
- Birthplace: Rural Missouri
- Key Works: Auction Block Mystery series (2015–2018)
- Education: BA in Art History and Archaeology, University of Missouri–Columbia
- Fun Fact: Ross is a self-proclaimed “crazy cat lady” and Royals baseball fan!
Ready for a cozy mystery with a historical twist? Snag Death and the Redheaded Woman and dive into Loretta Ross’s delightful world of auctions, secrets, and sleuthing!