Picture a Missouri storyteller who swapped NASA’s high-tech world for cozy mysteries by the lake—meet Richard Houston! This self-published sensation has hooked readers with his 'Books to Die For' series, blending suspense, Midwestern charm, and a golden retriever named Fred. From roofer to software engineer to USA Today bestselling author, Houston’s journey is as thrilling as his novels.
The Making of Richard Houston
Born with a knack for problem-solving, Richard Houston spent his early years as a carpenter and roofer, hammering nails while dreaming of stories. He worked his way through college, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, which led to a 25-year career as a software engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Vandenberg AFB, working on the Space Shuttle. After founding his software company, Master Mind SofTools, he took early retirement in 2007 and settled in Warsaw, Missouri, building a lakefront home with a view to die for. It was here, inspired by the serene Lake of the Ozarks, that Houston’s lifelong dream of writing took shape.
Richard Houston’s Unforgettable Stories
Houston’s 'Books to Die For' series follows Jake Martin, a burned-out software engineer turned reluctant sleuth, and his loyal golden retriever, Fred. The debut, A View to Die For (2012), sets Jake in Missouri’s Ozarks, unraveling a murder mystery tied to his sister’s arrest and a cache of Jesse James’ gold. A Book to Die For (2014) takes Jake to Denver’s foothills, where he tackles a poaching ring and a manslaughter charge. A Treasure to Die For (2015) dives into a hunt for a coded message in a rare Tom Sawyer edition, blending Colorado’s Rockies with local lore. Finally, Letters to Die For (2016) uncovers love letters that spark a deadly chase. Houston’s style—think Garrison Keillor meets Mark Twain with a dash of John Grisham—infuses humor, heart, and Midwestern grit, with Fred stealing scenes as the ultimate sidekick.
His cozy mysteries stand out for their clean storytelling, avoiding graphic violence or language, and their vivid settings, from Missouri’s misty lakes to Colorado’s rugged peaks. Houston’s knack for weaving local history, like Jesse James’ legends or cryptic 19th-century codes, adds depth, while Jake’s everyman charm resonates with readers seeking relatable heroes.
Why Richard Houston Matters
Richard Houston’s rise from self-publishing to USA Today bestseller status is a testament to perseverance. His novels have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, offering readers a refreshing escape with Jake and Fred’s adventures. By spotlighting Missouri’s lake country, he’s put the Ozarks on the literary map, blending regional pride with universal themes of loyalty and justice. Fans rave about his humor and heart, with Amazon reviews praising Fred as 'the next Sherlock Holmes.' Houston’s story inspires aspiring authors, proving that with grit and a good dog, dreams can come true.
- Born: Unknown, but active in Missouri since 2007
- Key Works: A View to Die For, A Book to Die For, A Treasure to Die For, Letters to Die For
- Fun Fact: Houston lives with his wife, granddaughter, two dachshunds, and a rescue dog, mostly golden retriever, just like Fred!
Snag A View to Die For and dive into Richard Houston’s cozy mysteries—perfect for a lakeside read with a furry friend by your side!