Picture a British ecologist turned cozy mystery maestro, weaving tales of murder with a side of bat surveys—meet Sarah Yarwood-Lovett! This bestselling author has taken the literary world by storm with her Nell Ward series, blending ecological expertise with gripping whodunits. From crawling through undergrowth to crafting page-turners, Sarah’s journey is as fascinating as her novels.
The Making of Sarah Yarwood-Lovett
Born in the rolling South Downs of England, Sarah Yarwood-Lovett spent her childhood surrounded by nature, a backdrop that would later inspire her writing. For sixteen years, she thrived as an ecologist, studying nocturnal animals and rediscovering a species thought extinct during her PhD, with her findings enshrined in London’s Natural History Museum. Her adventures took her from surviving a coral atoll hurricane to testifying as an expert witness, experiences that honed her knack for spotting clues—perfect for a future mystery writer. After emigrating to the Pacific Northwest, she swapped badgers for bears but never lost her love for the English countryside, which seeps into her stories.
Sarah Yarwood-Lovett’s Unforgettable Stories
Sarah’s Nell Ward Mystery series, launched with A Murder of Crows in 2022, introduces Dr. Nell Ward, an ecologist-turned-amateur sleuth. In this debut, Nell overhears a murder during a bat survey, thrusting her into a web of suspense. The series, now six books strong, includes gems like A Cast of Falcons, where a wedding turns deadly, and A Swarm of Butterflies, tackling a murder at a summer fete. Sarah’s style is a delightful mix of cozy charm and ecological intrigue, with plots as intricate as a spider’s web. Her scientific background shines through, grounding each mystery in authentic environmental details, while her knack for red herrings keeps readers guessing.
What sets Sarah apart is her ability to weave social commentary into cozy mysteries. For instance, A Generation of Vipers tackles violence against women, earning praise for its depth. Published by Embla Books, her novels have captivated fans of Richard Osman and Faith Martin, with readers lauding Nell’s nerdy charm and Sarah’s clever plotting. Balancing her writing with a full-time role at Microsoft, Sarah crafts stories that are both brainy and heartwarming, making her a standout in the genre.
Why Sarah Yarwood-Lovett Matters
Sarah Yarwood-Lovett has carved a unique niche in cozy mysteries, proving that science and suspense make a killer combo. Her Nell Ward series has built a loyal readership, with fans raving about her fresh take on the genre. By spotlighting ecological themes, she’s broadened the appeal of cozy mysteries, inspiring readers to care about the natural world. Her success as a self-published author turned Embla Books star shows her tenacity, while her ability to juggle tech and storytelling highlights her versatility. Sarah’s impact lies in her ability to make us root for Nell, chuckle at her bat obsession, and ponder deeper issues—all while solving a murder.
- Born: South Downs, England
- Key Works: A Murder of Crows, A Cast of Falcons, A Swarm of Butterflies
- Fun Fact: Survived a hurricane while scuba diving for marine surveys
Snag A Murder of Crows and dive into Sarah Yarwood-Lovett’s cozy, clever world of ecological mysteries!