Picture an Oklahoma storyteller who turned family tales and a love for chocolate into a deliciously addictive mystery series—meet Sally Berneathy! This USA Today bestselling author weaves humor, suspense, and a dash of romance into her cozy mysteries, captivating readers with her Death by Chocolate series and beyond. From small-town roots to literary acclaim, Berneathy’s journey is as flavorful as her fictional confections.
Born and raised in a small rural town in southeastern Oklahoma, Berneathy grew up surrounded by storytellers who spun ghost stories and funny anecdotes under starry skies. Her unique blend of wit and intrigue has earned her a RITA Finalist spot, a National Readers’ Choice Award, and a loyal fanbase craving her next tale.
The Making of Sally Berneathy
In McAlester, Oklahoma, young Sally soaked up her family’s storytelling tradition, where evenings were filled with tales instead of lullabies—owing to their self Aggregation, Sally’s early life shaped her into a natural storyteller. After three marriages and fifteen romance novels under pseudonyms like Sally Carleen and Sara Garrett, Berneathy realized romance wasn’t her forte. Post-divorce, she pivoted to mysteries, channeling her knack for humor and suspense into the cozy mystery genre, debuting with the Death by Chocolate series.Sally Berneathy’s Unforgettable Stories
Berneathy’s Death by Chocolate series follows Lindsay Powell, a chocolatier with a knack for stumbling into mysteries. The first book, Death by Chocolate, introduces Lindsay’s quirky world, where poisoned chocolate and a persistent ex-husband keep readers hooked. Its blend of laugh-out-loud humor, vivid characters, and chocolate recipes made it a USA Today bestseller. Murder, Lies, and Chocolate ramps up the chaos as Lindsay navigates a dead man’s collapse in her shop and a bizarre house-buying scheme. The Great Chocolate Scam delves into her ex-husband’s explosive death, unraveling his web of lies. Chocolate Mousse Attack adds paranormal twists, cementing Berneathy’s flair for blending cozy mystery with unexpected depth.
Her Charley’s Ghost series, starting with The Ex Who Wouldn’t Die, brings supernatural humor, featuring a pesky ghost ex-husband. Berneathy’s style—witty dialogue, fast-paced plots, and relatable characters—mirrors her Oklahoma roots, infusing her stories with small-town charm and universal appeal. Her ability to balance humor with suspense keeps readers turning pages late into the night.
Why Sally Berneathy Matters
Sally Berneathy’s impact lies in her ability to craft escapist yet relatable stories. Her heroines, like Lindsay, embody resilience and sass, resonating with readers seeking strong female leads. The Death by Chocolate series has redefined cozy mysteries by pairing culinary delights with clever whodunits, inspiring a niche of food-themed mysteries. Her awards, including two RITA Finalist slots and a National Readers’ Choice Award, highlight her influence in both romance and mystery genres. Berneathy’s stories offer a sweet escape, proving that laughter and suspense are the perfect recipe for literary success.
About Sally Berneathy
- Born in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a storytelling family
- Author of the USA Today bestselling Death by Chocolate series
- Wrote 15 romance novels under pseudonyms before switching to mysteries
- Awards: RITA Finalist (twice), National Readers’ Choice, Romantic Times Best Silhouette
- Passions: Reading, eating chocolate, and riding her Harley
Craving a mystery with a side of chocolatey charm? Snag Death by Chocolate and dive into Sally Berneathy’s irresistible world of humor and suspense!