Picture a storyteller who turned Los Angeles into a playground for clever sleuths and gripping mysteries—meet Patricia Smiley! This American mystery novelist, born in a small Washington town, has captivated readers with her sharp wit and determined female protagonists. From her bestselling Tucker Sinclair series to the gritty Pacific Homicide novels, Smiley’s knack for blending humor, suspense, and LA’s vibrant backdrop makes her a standout in crime fiction.
With a diverse career spanning juvenile detention work, cruise line management, and even a stint as a volunteer LAPD officer, Smiley brings a unique lens to her storytelling. Her mysteries aren’t just whodunits—they’re windows into the human experience, crafted with a playful yet piercing style that keeps you guessing.
The Making of Patricia Smiley
Born in a small agricultural town in Washington, Patricia Smiley grew up with a love for books, sparked by her mother’s influence and childhood favorites like Trixie Belden. She initially pursued drama at the University of Washington but switched to sociology, graduating with a BA because, as she put it, “acting is fun, but sociology is practical.” Later, she earned an MBA from Pepperdine University, blending her creative and analytical sides. Her varied career—working in juvenile courts, the Washington State legislature, and as a cruise line manager—honed her knack for observing human behavior, a skill that shines in her novels. Moving to Los Angeles, Smiley fell in love with the city, which became the vibrant setting for her mysteries.
Patricia Smiley’s Unforgettable Stories
Smiley’s debut novel, False Profits (2004), introduced Tucker Sinclair, a sharp-witted management consultant turned amateur sleuth. This Los Angeles Times bestseller follows Tucker as she navigates corporate sabotage and murder, blending humor and suspense with a Porsche-driving flair. Its sequels—Cover Your Assets (2005), Short Change (2007), and Cool Cache (2008)—cemented Tucker’s charm, earning praise for Smiley’s “butter-smooth prose” and vivid LA details. As Paula Woods noted in The Washington Post, Smiley’s eye for “telling detail” makes her stories both amusing and satisfying.
In 2016, Smiley launched the Pacific Homicide series, featuring LAPD Detective Davie Richards. Drawing from her 15 years as a Specialist Reserve Officer for the LAPD, Smiley crafts gritty, authentic police procedurals. Pacific Homicide (2016), Outside the Wire (2017), and The Second Goodbye (2018) explore complex cases, with the latter earning a spot among BookReporter.com’s top ten crime novels of 2018. Her short fiction, published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and Elizabeth George’s anthology Two of the Deadliest, showcases her versatility.
Smiley’s style is a delightful mix of humor, heart, and hard-boiled suspense. Her strong female leads, whether Tucker’s quick wit or Davie’s dogged determination, reflect her own resilience and curiosity, while her love for Los Angeles infuses every page with local flavor.
Why Patricia Smiley Matters
Patricia Smiley’s impact lies in her ability to make mysteries both accessible and profound. Her heroines—flawed, funny, and fiercely independent—inspire readers to embrace their own strength. By setting her stories in Los Angeles, she captures the city’s diversity and contradictions, offering a fresh take on the crime genre. Her LAPD experience adds authenticity, while her leadership in groups like Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime highlights her role in nurturing the mystery community. Smiley’s work reminds us that great stories can entertain and challenge, leaving a lasting mark on readers and aspiring writers alike.
About Patricia Smiley
- Born: Yakima, Washington
- Key Works: False Profits, Pacific Homicide, The Second Goodbye
- Awards: Los Angeles Times Bestseller, 2008 LAPD Reserve Officer of the Year
- Fun Fact: Smiley once worked as a cruise line manager, adding to her colorful career!
Snag False Profits or Pacific Homicide and dive into Patricia Smiley’s thrilling, LA-infused mysteries today!