Picture an American storyteller who spun tales of mystery, romance, and humor with a racquetball twist—meet Maddie Cochere! This Ohio-based author has charmed readers with her breezy, engaging novels, blending chick-lit flair with cozy mysteries. From her Susan Hunter Mysteries to the quirky Two Sisters and a Journalist series, Cochere’s knack for relatable characters and unexpected plot twists has made her a hidden gem in contemporary fiction.
With a background in the weight loss industry and a passion for racquetball, Cochere infuses her stories with real-life inspiration, creating worlds that feel both familiar and delightfully unpredictable. Her lighthearted narratives invite readers to kick back, laugh, and unravel a good mystery alongside her vibrant heroines.
The Making of Maddie Cochere
Maddie Cochere’s journey to authorship is as colorful as her novels. In the 1980s, she worked for a major weight loss company by day, helping clients shed pounds, while burning up the racquetball courts by night. These experiences shaped her creative spark, giving her a treasure trove of anecdotes and insights. Her love for storytelling emerged later, evolving from writing operations manuals for weight loss centers to crafting fictional worlds filled with humor and heart.
Residing in Ohio with her husband and a spoiled beagle, Cochere drew heavily from her surroundings and family life. Her eccentric mother, who adored whoopee cushions well into her eighties, inspired the comedic flair in her characters, particularly the unforgettable Mama in the Two Sisters and a Journalist series. This blend of personal experience and imagination set the stage for her literary career.
Maddie Cochere’s Unforgettable Stories
Cochere’s debut, Sunshine Hunter (2012), launched the Susan Hunter Mysteries, introducing Susan, a racquetball-loving weight loss center worker who stumbles into mysteries. The series, spanning seven books, mixes chick-lit, romance, and action, with Susan navigating misadventures from Las Vegas to New Orleans. Fans love the fast-paced, humorous plots and Susan’s knack for landing in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In 2014, Cochere unveiled the Two Sisters and a Journalist series with Murder Under Construction. This series follows Jo Ravens, a divorced private investigator, her sister Pepper, and journalist friend Jackie as they solve crimes in their Ohio town. The stories brim with family antics, inspired by Cochere’s own relatives, and a cozy mystery vibe that keeps readers guessing. Titles like Murder Welcomes You to Buxley feature crossovers with Susan Hunter, delighting longtime fans.
Cochere’s style is distinctly breezy, blending witty dialogue, light romance, and clever mysteries. Her characters, often flawed yet lovable, resonate with readers seeking fun, escapist reads. By drawing on her weight loss and racquetball experiences, she crafts authentic settings, while her humor—think whoopee cushions and quirky family dynamics—adds a playful edge.
Why Maddie Cochere Matters
Maddie Cochere’s impact lies in her ability to weave everyday experiences into captivating stories that resonate with a wide audience. Her novels offer a refreshing escape, combining the warmth of cozy mysteries with the sass of chick-lit. By creating strong, relatable female protagonists like Susan and Jo, she empowers readers to embrace their quirks and tackle life’s challenges with humor.
Though not a household name, Cochere’s dedicated fanbase cherishes her clean, engaging narratives, free of heavy themes or explicit content. Her work reminds us that small-town stories, infused with heart and humor, can leave a lasting mark. As readers continue to discover her series, her legacy as a master of lighthearted fiction grows.
- Key Works: Susan Hunter Mysteries, Two Sisters and a Journalist
- Hometown: Ohio, USA
- Notable Trait: Draws inspiration from weight loss industry and racquetball
Ready to dive into a world of sassy sleuths and laugh-out-loud mysteries? Snag Sunshine Hunter or Murder Under Construction and let Maddie Cochere’s cozy adventures sweep you away!