Picture a cozy Chesapeake Bay town where mysteries unfold over steaming plates of crab cakes—meet Maya Corrigan! This American author, once a university professor, weaves her love for detective stories and culinary delights into the acclaimed Five-Ingredient Mystery series. With a knack for crafting charming whodunits, Corrigan has captured the hearts of cozy mystery fans everywhere.
The Making of Maya Corrigan
Born with a storyteller’s spark, Maya Corrigan, also known as Mary Ann Corrigan, penned her first novel at thirteen, delighting friends with chapters read aloud for laughs and feedback. Growing up near two public libraries, she devoured books, nurturing her passion for writing. Before turning to crime fiction, Corrigan taught American literature, drama, and detective fiction at Northern Virginia Community College and Georgetown University, sharpening her storytelling craft.
Her academic background and lifelong love for mysteries laid the foundation for her writing career. After years of writing nonfiction, including technical manuals and academic papers, Corrigan embraced her childhood dream, blending her expertise in detective narratives with a zest for food to create her signature cozy mysteries.
Maya Corrigan’s Unforgettable Stories
Corrigan’s Five-Ingredient Mystery series, set in a fictional historic town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, stars Val Deniston, a fitness café manager and amateur sleuth, alongside her feisty grandfather, the Codger Cook. The series kicked off with By Cook or by Crook (2014), where Val uncovers a murder while catering a tennis club event, serving up suspense with five-ingredient recipes.
Other gems include Scam Chowder (2015), diving into a deadly dinner party, Crypt Suzette (2019), a Halloween-themed puzzle, and Bake Offed (2022), where a baking contest turns lethal. Corrigan’s style is light yet gripping, blending culinary creativity—think lemon chiffon walls and chocolate-dark woodwork—with clever clues and small-town charm. Each book features five suspects, five clues, and easy recipes, making them a treat for mystery and food lovers alike.
Her short stories, published under Mary Ann Corrigan, appear in anthologies, and her nonfiction explores mystery trivia, reflecting her deep genre knowledge. Corrigan’s ability to infuse food into her narratives, inspired by her short story “Delicious Death,” sets her apart in the cozy mystery world.
Why Maya Corrigan Matters
Maya Corrigan’s work has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning her the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Unpublished Mystery/Suspense and the 2015 New England Reader’s Award. Her relatable characters and accessible recipes resonate with readers, offering an escape into a world where justice prevails over a warm meal. By celebrating Chesapeake Bay’s culture and cuisine, she brings regional flavor to a global audience.
Her transition from academia to fiction inspires aspiring writers, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream. Corrigan’s engaging blog posts at Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen and book club interactions further connect her with fans, fostering a community around her culinary mysteries.
- Born: Unknown, but active in Virginia
- Key Works: By Cook or by Crook, Scam Chowder, Crypt Suzette, Bake Offed
- Awards: 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award, 2015 New England Reader’s Award
- Hobbies: Theater, travel, cooking, crosswords
Ready to solve a mystery with a side of dessert? Snag By Cook or by Crook and dive into Maya Corrigan’s deliciously cozy world!