Picture a New England storyteller who weaves mysteries as intricate as a Vermont forest trail—meet Paula Munier, also known as Paula Munier Lee! A master of crime fiction, Munier has captivated readers with her USA Today bestselling Mercy Carr series, where a sharp-witted veteran and her bomb-sniffing dog, Elvis, solve crimes amid stunning landscapes. Beyond her novels, she’s a literary agent, a champion of K9 rescue missions, and a guide for aspiring writers, making her a multifaceted force in the literary world.
With a knack for blending heart-pounding plots, lovable canines, and New England charm, Munier’s work resonates with mystery lovers and dog enthusiasts alike. Her journey from journalist to bestselling author is as compelling as her stories, rooted in a lifelong passion for words and a deep connection to the natural world.
The Making of Paula Munier
Born into a military family, Paula Munier’s childhood was a whirlwind of moves across Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio, and Germany. Books became her constant companion, a habit inspired by her mother’s love of reading. Though her father envisioned her as a pilot, a high school teacher’s encouragement steered her toward writing. Munier’s career kicked off with a bang—her first piece was published in Cosmopolitan at age 19! She honed her craft as a journalist, working for newspapers and media giants like Disney and Fidelity, before transitioning to publishing as an editor and content strategist.
In 2012, Munier joined Talcott Notch Literary Services as a Senior Literary Agent and Director of Storytelling, where she nurtures other writers’ dreams. Her own writing flourished alongside her agenting, fueled by her love of crime fiction and experiences with Mission K9 Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to saving military working dogs. This unique blend of grit, heart, and literary savvy set the stage for her mystery novels.
Paula Munier’s Unforgettable Stories
Munier’s Mercy Carr series, starting with A Borrowing of Bones (2018), introduces Mercy Carr, a former Army MP, and Elvis, her Belgian Malinois with canine PTSD. Set in Vermont’s Green Mountains, the series kicks off when Elvis uncovers human bones and an abandoned baby, launching a thrilling investigation. Praised for its “compelling mix of hard edges and easy charm,” the book earned a Mary Higgins Clark Award nomination and the Dogwise Book of the Year award.
Subsequent novels like Blind Search (2019), inspired by a real-life rescue of an autistic boy, and The Wedding Plot (2022), a deadly destination wedding tale, showcase Munier’s knack for complex plots and vivid settings. Her latest, The Night Woods (2024), weaves The Odyssey into a murder mystery, earning starred reviews. Munier’s style—rich with New England culture, resilient characters, and working dogs—delivers fast-paced, character-driven stories that keep readers hooked.
Beyond fiction, Munier’s nonfiction, including Plot Perfect, The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings, and Writing with Quiet Hands, offers practical advice for writers. Her memoir, Fixing Freddie, about a mischievous beagle, reveals her warm, humorous side. Each work reflects her belief in the power of storytelling to connect and inspire.
Why Paula Munier Matters
Paula Munier’s impact extends beyond her page-turners. Her Mercy Carr series elevates the mystery genre by blending authentic portrayals of veterans and working dogs with gripping narratives, appealing to fans of authors like David Rosenfelt. Her advocacy for Mission K9 Rescue shines a light on the heroism of military dogs, fostering awareness and support. As a literary agent, she’s a mentor to countless writers, shaping the publishing landscape with her expertise.
Munier’s love of New England, evident in her evocative settings, celebrates the region’s beauty and culture, while her writing guides empower aspiring authors to find their voice. Her multifaceted career—author, agent, advocate—makes her a unique figure whose stories resonate with heart and purpose.
- Key Works: A Borrowing of Bones, Blind Search, The Wedding Plot, The Night Woods
- Awards: Mary Higgins Clark Award nominee, Dogwise Book of the Year
- Residence: Salisbury, New Hampshire, with her family and rescue pets
Ready to get lost in a thrilling mystery? Snag A Borrowing of Bones and dive into Paula Munier’s world of suspense, dogs, and New England charm!