Picture an American storyteller who turned a chaotic Swiss tour into a beloved cozy mystery series—meet Maddy Hunter! With her knack for blending humor, travel, and intrigue, Hunter crafted the Passport to Peril series, delighting readers with tales of quirky seniors and reluctant sleuth Emily Andrew. Her journey from romance writer to mystery maven is as captivating as her novels.
Hunter’s stories whisk readers to exotic locales, from Ireland’s haunted castles to Hawaii’s sun-soaked shores, all while unraveling lighthearted whodunits. Her ability to find inspiration in real-life adventures—like a trip with lively seniors—makes her work a unique blend of armchair travel and cozy mystery charm.
The Making of Maddy Hunter
Little is known about Maddy Hunter’s early life, but her storytelling roots took hold in Madison, Wisconsin, where she lives with her husband. Initially, she dipped her toes into romance novels during the era of swashbuckling pirates and Viking heroes. But when her publisher dropped their romance line, Hunter faced a crossroads. Instead of giving up, she pivoted to cozy mysteries, a genre that perfectly suited her witty voice and keen eye for character. A fateful trip to Switzerland with a friend and a group of spirited seniors sparked the idea for her signature series, proving that inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places.
Maddy Hunter’s Unforgettable Stories
The Passport to Peril series, spanning 12 novels from 2003 to 2018, is Hunter’s crowning achievement. Each book follows Emily Andrew, a well-meaning tour guide shepherding a group of eccentric Iowa seniors through international adventures—only to stumble into murder and mayhem. The series kicked off with Alpine for You (2003), where Emily’s Swiss escapade turns deadly, earning an Agatha Award nomination for Best First Mystery. Top O’ the Mournin’ (2004) takes readers to Ireland, complete with a haunted castle and a transgender ex-husband adding comedic flair. Hula Done It? (2005) sails to Hawaii, weaving a treasure map mystery, while Fleur de Lies (2014) explores Normandy’s D-Day history with a heartfelt wartime romance subplot.
Hunter’s style is a delightful mix of humor, vivid settings, and cozy mystery staples—no gore, just clever puzzles and lovable characters. Her seniors, like Emily’s streetwise Nana, inspired by Hunter’s own grandmother, steal the show with their quirks and antics. By setting each novel in a new country, Hunter keeps the series fresh, offering readers a virtual passport to the world. Her knack for weaving historical tidbits and cultural details into the narrative makes every book an immersive escape.
Why Maddy Hunter Matters
Maddy Hunter’s Passport to Peril series carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, blending travelogue charm with laugh-out-loud humor. Her books resonate with readers who crave lighthearted mysteries and the thrill of exploring new cultures without leaving home. Hunter’s perseverance—transforming a career setback into a successful series—also inspires aspiring writers to embrace unexpected opportunities. Though she remains a somewhat private figure, her impact endures through fans who eagerly await each new adventure, even as the series concluded with Catch Me If Yukon in 2018.
- Key Works: Alpine for You, Top O’ the Mournin’, Hula Done It?, Fleur de Lies
- Awards: Agatha Award nominee for Best First Mystery (Alpine for You)
- Residence: Madison, Wisconsin
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
About Maddy Hunter
Ready for a globe-trotting mystery with a side of laughter? Snag Alpine for You and dive into Maddy Hunter’s Passport to Peril series today!