Picture a world traveler sipping tea in a cozy café, turning every passerby into a suspect in a thrilling mystery—meet Lucy Connelly! Writing under the pen name of award-winning author Candace Havens, Connelly is a maestro of cozy mysteries, enchanting readers with her Scottish Isle Mystery series. Her tales of murder and charm, set against the misty backdrop of Sea Isle, Scotland, have captivated fans of Paige Shelton and Sheila Connolly.
With over thirty books, contributions to anthologies, and a knack for weaving intricate plots, Connelly’s stories are as inviting as a warm hearth on a stormy Scottish night. Her unique blend of vivid settings, quirky characters, and clever whodunits makes her a standout in the cozy mystery genre.
The Making of Lucy Connelly
Little is known about the personal life of Lucy Connelly, the pseudonym of Candace Havens, but her journey as a writer is a tale of passion and persistence. Havens, a seasoned author with a master’s degree in humanities, has always been a storyteller at heart. Her love for adventure and people-watching fuels her creativity, transforming everyday moments into gripping mysteries. Whether traveling with her bossy dog or jotting notes in quaint cafés, Connelly’s global experiences shape the rich, authentic settings of her novels.
Before donning the Connelly mantle, Havens penned romances, thrillers, and even a biography on Joss Whedon, earning awards for her versatile storytelling. Her shift to cozy mysteries under the Lucy Connelly name marked a new chapter, blending her knack for character-driven narratives with the charm of small-town intrigue.
Lucy Connelly’s Unforgettable Stories
Connelly’s Scottish Isle Mystery series is the heart of her literary legacy, with each book a delightful mix of suspense and Scottish charm. An American in Scotland (2023) introduces Dr. Emilia McRoy, a Seattle ER doctor turned small-town physician and coroner in Sea Isle. When Emilia stumbles upon a dead body, she teams up with the gruff Constable Ewan Campbell to unravel the town’s secrets, delivering a plot full of red herrings and a dash of romance.
Death at a Scottish Wedding (2024) raises the stakes as Emilia attends a lavish wedding at Morrigan’s Castle, only to find a corpse in a turret during a snowstorm. Critics praise its “labyrinth of twists and turns” and immersive setting, making it a must-read for cozy fans. Death at a Scottish Christmas (2024) brings holiday cheer and murder, with Emilia investigating the death of a rock star, while Death on a Scottish Train (2025) promises more thrills. Connelly’s style—vivid, character-driven, and laced with humor—evokes the charm of a Jane Austen novel, wrapped in a modern mystery.
Beyond the Scottish Isle series, Connelly’s An Irish Bookshop Murder and Death by the Book explore Irish settings, showcasing her versatility. Her ability to craft “uniquely creative” stories, as noted by Wonder Women Sixty, keeps readers guessing until the final page.
Why Lucy Connelly Matters
Lucy Connelly’s impact lies in her ability to transport readers to enchanting locales while unraveling clever mysteries. Her Scottish Isle series has redefined cozy mysteries, blending atmospheric settings with relatable characters like Emilia McRoy, whose determination resonates with fans. By celebrating Scottish culture and community, Connelly’s work fosters a sense of connection, making Sea Isle feel like home.
Her stories also inspire aspiring writers, proving that a keen eye for detail and a love for storytelling can create magic. With glowing reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and cozy mystery enthusiasts, Connelly’s legacy is one of joy, intrigue, and literary escapism.
- Key Works: Scottish Isle Mystery series, An Irish Bookshop Murder
- Notable Achievements: Written over 30 books as Candace Havens, contributed to anthologies
- Fun Fact: Connelly’s dog often travels with her, inspiring her quirky characters!
Snag An American in Scotland and dive into Lucy Connelly’s cozy, thrilling world—your next favorite mystery awaits!