Picture a storyteller who swapped legal briefs for laugh-out-loud mysteries—meet MaryJean Zajac! This American author, once an Immigration Paralegal, now crafts the hilarious Cetta Borski series, blending crime, humor, and a touch of romance. Her journey from short stories to self-published novels has charmed readers with bumbling heroines and clever twists.
The Making of MaryJean Zajac
Born and raised in New York, MaryJean Zajac earned a bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Hilbert College and a graduate degree in Library Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo. After a 20-year career as an Immigration Paralegal, she retired and reignited her lifelong passion for writing. Joining a writer’s group sparked her creativity, leading to short stories published in outlets like Funny Pearls and her local newspaper. Her love for humor and storytelling set the stage for her leap into novels.
MaryJean Zajac’s Unforgettable Stories
Zajac’s Cetta Borski series is the heart of her literary legacy. The series follows Concetta ‘Cetta’ Borski, a 24-year-old single woman whose curiosity lands her in hilarious predicaments. In her debut, Take the Money and Run (2022), Cetta tangles with mobsters over a mysterious keychain, saved by her two ‘Mr. Rights’—ex-boyfriend Paul and private investigator Tony. Murder on the Run sees Cetta go undercover as a server, solving a sauce recipe theft that turns deadly. The third book sends Cetta to California to find a missing girlfriend, unraveling a jewelry crime spree. A fourth book, tackling a kidnapping-turned-homicide, promises more chaos. Zajac’s style shines with witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and light romance, making her mysteries a delightful escape.
Her writing draws from her knack for finding humor in everyday life, inspired by raising her sons and doting on her five grandchildren. Unlike traditional mystery authors, Zajac leans into comedic misadventures, with Cetta’s bumbling charm reminiscent of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum but with a unique, small-town New York flair.
Why MaryJean Zajac Matters
MaryJean Zajac’s impact lies in her ability to carve a niche in the mystery genre with humor and heart. Her self-published series has garnered praise for its fast-paced plots and engaging characters, with readers on Goodreads calling Take the Money and Run ‘an easy read that kept me interested right to the end.’ By embracing self-publishing, Zajac has shown aspiring authors that passion and persistence can break through. Her stories resonate with readers who crave lighthearted crime tales, offering a refreshing counterpoint to darker thrillers. As she continues the Cetta Borski series, her growing fanbase eagerly awaits more of her signature wit.
- Born: New York, USA
- Key Works: Take the Money and Run, Murder on the Run, Cetta Borski series
- Hobbies: Gardening, painting, playing drums, and visiting wineries
About MaryJean Zajac
Ready for a mystery with a side of giggles? Snag Take the Money and Run and dive into MaryJean Zajac’s hilarious world of Cetta Borski’s misadventures!