Picture a Missouri storyteller who spun family secrets into gripping mysteries—meet Rett MacPherson! Born in St. Louis, she pioneered the genealogical mystery subgenre with her beloved Torie O'Shea series, blending history, humor, and small-town charm. Her knack for uncovering 'family skeletons' has captivated cozy mystery fans, inviting readers to dig into their own ancestral tales.
With a passion for genealogy, history, and storytelling, MacPherson crafts novels that feel like chats with a witty friend. Her multi-talented life as a writer, bead artist, and customer service representative adds depth to her work, making her a unique voice in the cozy mystery world.
The Making of Rett MacPherson
Rett MacPherson grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by the rich history of the Midwest. Her love for cemeteries, wineries, and old family stories shaped her fascination with genealogy, which became the heartbeat of her writing. Before penning mysteries, she worked as a customer service representative at a book wholesaler, a role that fueled her love for books and storytelling. This blend of everyday life and historical curiosity inspired her to create the Torie O'Shea series, where family trees unravel deadly secrets.
Rett MacPherson’s Unforgettable Stories
MacPherson’s debut, Family Skeletons (1997), introduced Victory 'Torie' O'Shea, a genealogist and amateur sleuth in the fictional town of New Kassel, Missouri. When Torie digs into a client’s family tree, she uncovers a murder, setting the stage for a cozy mystery filled with humor and heart. The novel’s small-town setting and genealogical twists hooked readers, launching a 12-book series.
Other standouts include A Veiled Antiquity (1998), where Torie investigates a historical family secret tied to a murder, and A Comedy of Heirs (1999), which weaves a family reunion with a deadly past. Her standalone novel, Sleeping the Churchyard Sleep, draws from her mother’s West Virginia childhood, blending personal history with mystery. MacPherson’s style shines through witty dialogue, vivid settings, and a knack for making genealogy thrilling, appealing to readers who love history with a side of suspense.
Her writing balances cozy charm with real stakes, like floods threatening New Kassel or family betrayals. Critics praise her storytelling, with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch calling her 'a good storyteller' for her satisfying plots and lively characters. MacPherson’s novels are perfect for readers who crave mysteries with a genealogical twist and a touch of Midwestern warmth.
Why Rett MacPherson Matters
Rett MacPherson carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by making genealogy a star. Her Torie O'Shea series inspired readers to explore their own family histories, blending entertainment with curiosity about the past. By rooting her stories in small-town life and personal experiences, she created relatable, enduring characters that resonate with fans of cozy mysteries and historical fiction alike.
Her influence extends beyond books, encouraging a deeper appreciation for family stories and local history. As a working mother and artist, MacPherson’s ability to juggle roles while crafting engaging novels makes her a quiet trailblazer, proving that everyday life can inspire extraordinary stories.
- Born: St. Louis, Missouri
- Key Works: Family Skeletons, A Veiled Antiquity, A Comedy of Heirs, Sleeping the Churchyard Sleep
- Fun Fact: MacPherson is a bead and fabric artist who loves visiting cemeteries!
Snag Family Skeletons and dive into Rett MacPherson’s cozy, genealogical mysteries—your family tree might just thank you!