Maria Hudgins Books in Order

Picture an American storyteller who turned her love for travel and history into gripping mysteries—meet Maria Hudgins! A retired teacher from Hampton, Virginia, Hudgins has enchanted readers with h...

Book links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a commission.

Picture an American storyteller who turned her love for travel and history into gripping mysteries—meet Maria Hudgins! A retired teacher from Hampton, Virginia, Hudgins has enchanted readers with her Dotsy Lamb Mysteries and Lacy Glass series, blending historical intrigue with cozy, traditional mystery vibes. Her knack for vivid settings and complex characters makes every book a delightful adventure.

With a career that began after retirement, Hudgins proves it’s never too late to chase your passion. Her stories, set in exotic locales like Italy, Scotland, and Egypt, reflect her own globetrotting spirit and meticulous research, earning her a loyal following among mystery lovers worldwide.

The Making of Maria Hudgins

Born with a curiosity for the world, Maria Hudgins spent years as an educator before diving into writing. A passionate traveler and mystery enthusiast, she retired from teaching to focus on crafting novels. Her background in education shaped her disciplined approach to storytelling, while her travels provided rich inspiration. Hudgins’s transition from classroom to author’s desk was fueled by a lifelong urge to weave intriguing tales, a dream she pursued with gusto after retirement.

Living in Hampton, Virginia, Hudgins found her creative groove, drawing on her experiences to create characters like Dotsy Lamb, a history professor, and Lacy Glass, a botanist sleuth. Her dedication to authentic settings—each visited and meticulously noted—sets her work apart in the cozy mystery genre.

Maria Hudgins’s Unforgettable Stories

Hudgins’s Dotsy Lamb Mysteries, starting with Death of an Obnoxious Tourist (2006), follow Dorothy ‘Dotsy’ Lamb, a Virginia-based history professor who stumbles into murder mysteries while traveling with her friend Lettie Osgood. Set in vibrant locales like Italy, Scotland, and Turkey, these six novels sparkle with humor, historical tidbits, and clever plots. For example, Death in Istanbul (2017) sees Lettie kidnapped, pulling Dotsy into a whirlwind of suspense.

The Lacy Glass Archaeology Mysteries, including Scorpion House (2012) and The Man on the Istanbul Train (2012), feature a young botanist exploring ancient sites in Egypt and Turkey. These stories blend archaeology with thrilling investigations, showcasing Hudgins’s knack for merging science and suspense. Her traditional mystery style—clean, plot-driven, and free of gore—appeals to fans of Agatha Christie, with outlines ensuring every clue fits perfectly.

Hudgins’s short stories, like those in Virginia is for Mysteries anthologies, and her historical thriller The Papyrus Clue, set in 1955 Egypt, highlight her versatility. Her vivid descriptions and color-coded outlining process bring each setting and character to life, making her books immersive escapes.

Why Maria Hudgins Matters

Maria Hudgins has carved a niche in the cozy mystery world, offering readers a blend of intellectual curiosity and lighthearted suspense. Her focus on traditional mysteries—free of graphic violence—provides a refreshing escape, while her richly detailed settings inspire wanderlust. By championing amateur sleuths like Dotsy and Lacy, she empowers everyday heroes, resonating with readers who love smart, relatable protagonists.

Her influence extends through her involvement with Sisters in Crime, supporting fellow mystery writers, and her stories’ universal appeal, which bridge American and British mystery styles. Hudgins’s journey from teacher to novelist inspires aspiring authors, showing that passion and persistence can lead to a lasting legacy.

  • Key Works: Dotsy Lamb Mysteries, Lacy Glass series, The Papyrus Clue
  • Genre: Cozy/Traditional Mystery
  • Home: Hampton, Virginia

Ready to explore a world of cozy intrigue? Snag Death of an Obnoxious Tourist and dive into Maria Hudgins’s delightful mysteries!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Maria Hudgins?

Maria Hudgins is a retired American teacher turned mystery novelist from Hampton, Virginia. Known for her Dotsy Lamb Mysteries and Lacy Glass series, she crafts cozy, traditional mysteries with vivid settings and clever plots, inspired by her love for travel and history.

What are Maria Hudgins’s best books?

Maria Hudgins’s top books include Death of an Obnoxious Tourist and Death in Istanbul from the Dotsy Lamb Mysteries, and Scorpion House from the Lacy Glass series. These cozy mysteries blend travel, history, and suspense.

What inspired Maria Hudgins to write mysteries?

Maria Hudgins’s love for travel and mystery stories, combined with her teaching background, inspired her to write. After retiring, she channeled her globetrotting experiences and historical curiosity into crafting engaging cozy mysteries.

Where are Maria Hudgins’s books set?

Maria Hudgins sets her books in exotic locales like Italy, Scotland, Greece, Turkey, and Egypt. Her Dotsy Lamb Mysteries and Lacy Glass series feature richly detailed settings, each researched during her travels.

What is the Dotsy Lamb Mysteries series about?

The Dotsy Lamb Mysteries follow history professor Dotsy Lamb and her friend Lettie Osgood as they solve murders while traveling. Set in places like Italy and Turkey, the series blends cozy mystery with historical intrigue.