Picture a former police captain turned mystery maestro, weaving tales that keep you guessing until the final page—meet M.E. Browning! With a knack for crafting gripping crime fiction, Browning draws on 22 years of law enforcement expertise to deliver authentic, heart-pounding stories. Whether she’s diving into the Florida Keys or unraveling small-town secrets, her unique blend of grit, wit, and emotional depth has earned her a devoted following.
Writing under two pen names—M.E. Browning and Micki Browning—she’s created award-winning series that blend meticulous investigative details with the thrill of a great whodunit. Her life, from scuba diving adventures to a love for classic literature, infuses her work with a richness that makes every story unforgettable.
The Making of M.E. Browning
Born with a passion for storytelling, M.E. Browning, also known as Micki, didn’t take a straight path to authorship. She spent over two decades in law enforcement, rising to the rank of captain and graduating from the prestigious FBI National Academy. Her career, which included roles as a hostage negotiator and crisis intervention officer, gave her a front-row seat to human nature’s complexities. After retiring from the Durango Police Department, she traded her badge for a pen, channeling her experiences into crime fiction. Her Bachelor’s degree in Medieval Studies, earned while working full-time, reflects her love for research and history, which subtly shapes her narratives.
Moving to the Florida Keys sparked a new chapter. As a professional divemaster, Browning’s underwater adventures inspired her Mer Cavallo Mysteries, while her police background fueled the Jo Wyatt Mysteries. Her transition from cop to writer wasn’t seamless—she admits to struggling with the shift—but her determination and copious amounts of tea and dark chocolate kept her going.
M.E. Browning’s Unforgettable Stories
Browning’s writing shines in her two distinct series. As M.E. Browning, she pens the Jo Wyatt Mysteries, set in the fictional Echo Valley, Colorado. The series kicks off with Shadow Ridge (2020), where Detective Jo Wyatt tackles a string of murders tied to an online stalker. Praised for its “brisk pacing” and “old-fashioned suspense,” it won the Colorado Book Award for Mystery and a silver medal at the Florida Book Awards. The follow-up, Mercy Creek (2021), dives deeper into Jo’s world, blending small-town politics with emotional stakes.
Under the name Micki Browning, she crafts the Mer Cavallo Mysteries, set in the vibrant Florida Keys. Adrift (2017), an Agatha Award finalist, follows marine biologist Mer Cavallo as she unravels a chilling crime after a dive goes wrong. Its sequel, Beached (2018), earned the Royal Palm Literary Award, weaving a tale of shipwrecks and modern pirates. Browning’s style is meticulous yet accessible, plotting from the antagonist’s perspective to create layered, suspenseful narratives. Her love for scuba diving brings authenticity to the Mer series, while her law enforcement roots ground Jo Wyatt’s investigations in realism.
Browning’s short stories and nonfiction also sparkle, appearing in anthologies, diving magazines, and mystery publications. Her contribution to The Great Filling Station Holdup, a Jimmy Buffett-inspired anthology, showcases her versatility. Whether writing about underwater mysteries or small-town crimes, she explores redemption and the ripple effects of crime on communities, making her stories resonate emotionally.
Why M.E. Browning Matters
M.E. Browning’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the crime genre. Her protagonists—smart, flawed, and fiercely determined—reflect the underdog spirit she champions. By drawing on her diverse experiences, she crafts stories that feel both authentic and universal, appealing to fans of Sue Grafton and Julia Spencer-Fleming. Her awards, including the Colorado Book Award and Agatha nominations, highlight her growing influence in mystery fiction.
Browning’s work also bridges niche interests, blending scuba diving, law enforcement, and literary depth to attract a wide readership. Her emphasis on research and emotional honesty sets her apart, making her a standout voice in contemporary crime fiction. As she continues to write, her stories promise to captivate and inspire.
- Pen Names: M.E. Browning, Micki Browning
- Key Works: Shadow Ridge, Mercy Creek, Adrift, Beached
- Awards: Colorado Book Award, Florida Book Awards Silver Medal, Agatha Award finalist
- Hobbies: Scuba diving, reading classic literature
Snag Shadow Ridge or Adrift and dive into M.E. Browning’s thrilling world of mystery!