Picture a cozy South Dakota campus, alive with autumn leaves and the buzz of academia—meet Mary Angela, the Edgar-nominated author who turned her love for literature into the captivating Professor Prather Mystery series! A teacher, mother, and storyteller, Angela weaves clever, heartwarming whodunits that charm cozy mystery fans with their academic flair and small-town charm.
With a knack for crafting puzzles as intricate as an Agatha Christie novel, Angela’s stories follow English professor Emmeline Prather, an amateur sleuth solving crimes in the sleepy college town of Copper Bluff. Her journey from short stories to bestselling novels is a testament to perseverance, proving that a passion for words can spark a literary legacy.
The Making of Mary Angela
Born and raised in South Dakota, Mary Angela grew up surrounded by books, from 'Choose Your Own Adventure' mysteries to her mother’s poetry. Her love for storytelling bloomed early, penning poems and short stories inspired by the Great Plains. After earning a master’s degree, she became an English professor, teaching at institutions like the University of Sioux Falls and the University of South Dakota. Her academic life, steeped in Transcendentalism and women’s literature, shaped her unique perspective as a writer.
Angela’s writing career began with short stories, one of which landed in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine—a milestone that fueled her ambition. Initially dabbling in romance and literary fiction, she found her true calling in cozy mysteries, drawing on her professorial experiences to craft authentic, engaging narratives.
Mary Angela’s Unforgettable Stories
The Professor Prather Mystery series, Angela’s flagship work, blends academic intrigue with cozy charm. The debut, An Act of Murder (2016), introduces Emmeline Prather, a sharp-witted professor who suspects foul play when a student dies during a campus musical. With colleague Lenny Jenkins, she unravels clues in a tale praised as a 'home run' by critics. Passport to Murder (2017) takes Emmeline to Minneapolis, where a professor’s death derails a Paris trip, delivering twists that keep readers guessing.
A Very Merry Murder (2018) sparkles with holiday spirit, as Emmeline navigates a suspicious death at a Christmas concert, drawing parallels to an Agatha Christie novel she’s teaching. The series’ finale, Coming Up Murder (2019), dives into a Shakespeare festival, blending literary debates with a chilling crime. Angela’s style—rich with vivid settings, complex puzzles, and a touch of romance—earns accolades for its 'enjoyable and clever' storytelling, as noted by Publishers Weekly.
Beyond Professor Prather, Angela pens the bestselling Happy Camper series and historical mysteries as Mary Winters. Her short stories, like '4th Floor Alice' (2024) and the upcoming 'The Mailbox Murders' (2025), showcase her versatility, cementing her as a multifaceted storyteller.
Why Mary Angela Matters
Mary Angela’s work resonates with cozy mystery fans for its relatable heroines and immersive settings. By rooting her stories in South Dakota’s academic and cultural landscape, she offers a fresh take on the genre, celebrating the Midwest’s understated charm. Her Edgar nomination and praise from outlets like Midwest Book Review highlight her skill in crafting narratives that balance suspense with heart.
Angela’s influence extends beyond books. As a professor, she inspires students to embrace literature, while her journey encourages aspiring writers to pursue their dreams. Her active involvement in Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime fosters a supportive community for genre authors, amplifying her impact.
- Born: South Dakota, USA
- Key Works: Professor Prather Mystery series, Happy Camper series
- Awards: Edgar Award nominee
- Fun Fact: Angela’s love for Christmas inspires her holiday-themed mysteries!
Ready to cozy up with a clever mystery? Snag An Act of Murder and dive into Mary Angela’s delightful world of academic sleuthing!