Picture a California storyteller who swapped yacht life for chilling mysteries—meet Nancy Skopin! This award-winning author crafts gripping tales in her Nikki Hunter series, blending suspense, quirky characters, and a dash of marina charm. From her debut, Murder on the Menu, Skopin has hooked readers with her knack for unraveling human nature’s darkest corners.
A native of the Golden State, Skopin’s unique journey—from 13 years aboard a San Francisco Bay yacht to settling on the Oregon coast—infuses her work with vivid settings and authenticity. Her stories aren’t just mysteries; they’re adventures that feel like a thrilling night at the marina bar.
The Making of Nancy Skopin
Born in California, Nancy Skopin’s fascination with human behavior shaped her path as a writer. Living aboard a yacht for over a decade, she absorbed the rhythms of coastal life, which later became the backdrop for her Nikki Hunter series. To hone her craft, Skopin spent two years working with a private investigator, mastering the art of restaurant and bar 'mystery shopping.' This hands-on research, paired with guidance from a retired police detective, gave her stories procedural grit and real-world flair.
Skopin’s transition to writing wasn’t just a career shift; it was a calling to explore the best and worst of humanity through fiction. Now living on the Oregon coast with her husband, Max Ferry, and their dogs, Turq and Malcolm, she channels her coastal roots into every page.
Nancy Skopin’s Unforgettable Stories
Skopin’s Nikki Hunter series, launched in 2015 with Murder on the Menu, follows private investigator Nicoli 'Nikki' Hunter, a sharp, gun-toting sleuth in her mid-thirties. Based in Redwood City, California, Nikki lives on a 46-foot sailboat and tackles cases from her marina office. In Murder on the Menu, Nikki dives into the brutal killing of a socialite, unraveling a web of motives tied to a multimillion-dollar inheritance. The novel won the 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award, cementing Skopin’s place in the mystery genre.
Subsequent books, like Murder Over Cocktails (2015), see Nikki confronting a serial killer after a chance encounter with a cat burglar, Jack 'The Cat' McGuire. Murder A La Carte (2015) pits her against a vigilante targeting sexual predators, while Murder Al Dente (2019) weaves a complex tale of a kidnapped child and a suspicious suicide. Skopin’s style blends fast-paced plots, witty dialogue, and flawed yet lovable characters. Her mysteries are cozy yet edgy, with Nikki’s boat life and marina community adding a unique flavor.
The series, spanning nine books from 2015 to 2019, showcases Skopin’s ability to craft standalone stories with recurring characters, ensuring readers can jump in anywhere. Her attention to procedural detail and knack for twists keep fans guessing until the final page.
Why Nancy Skopin Matters
Nancy Skopin’s impact lies in her ability to breathe life into the cozy mystery genre while pushing its boundaries. Her Nikki Hunter series appeals to readers who crave suspense without gore, blending humor, heart, and high stakes. Fans praise Nikki’s tenacity and Skopin’s clever plotting, with reviews calling the series 'a truly wonderful PI adventure.' By drawing on her yachting background and investigative research, Skopin offers an authentic voice that resonates with mystery lovers.
Though Skopin remains a niche gem, her work has sparked a loyal following, with readers eagerly awaiting news of a tenth book. Her stories remind us that even in a crowded genre, a fresh perspective—rooted in real-world experience—can captivate and inspire.
- Born: California, USA
- Key Works: Murder on the Menu (2015), Murder Over Cocktails (2015), Murder A La Carte (2015), Murder Al Dente (2019)
- Award: 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award for Murder on the Menu
Ready to dive into a marina mystery? Snag Murder on the Menu and join Nikki Hunter’s thrilling world of suspense!