Picture a Texas storyteller who spins mysteries as intricate as a family tree—meet S.C. Perkins! A fifth-generation Texan, Perkins blends her expertise as a genealogist with a knack for cozy mysteries, creating the beloved Ancestry Detective series. Her debut, Murder Once Removed, introduced Lucy Lancaster, a genealogist-turned-sleuth, and snagged the prestigious Malice Domestic Best First Traditional Mystery award. With a dash of Southern charm and a love for tacos, Perkins invites readers into a world where past and present collide in delightful whodunits.
Perkins’s stories aren’t just mysteries—they’re celebrations of heritage, history, and the quirky connections that tie us together. Her unique fusion of genealogical research and storytelling has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, making her a rising star for readers craving a fresh twist.
The Making of S.C. Perkins
Born and raised in Houston, S.C. Perkins grew up steeped in tales of her Texan ancestors, a legacy that shaped her passion for genealogy. A graduate of Memorial High School and Texas A&M University, where she studied journalism, Perkins honed her writing through freelance work and editing. Her love for family histories, sparked by relatives who were amateur genealogists, led her to a career as a professional genealogist. The idea for her sleuth, Lucy Lancaster, struck at a writers’ conference in Austin, where Perkins envisioned a character who could unravel mysteries through ancestral clues. That afternoon, she penned the first pages of what would become her award-winning debut.
S.C. Perkins’s Unforgettable Stories
Perkins’s Ancestry Detective series is a love letter to Texas and the art of genealogy. Murder Once Removed (2019) kicks off with Lucy Lancaster uncovering a 19th-century murder that stirs up modern-day trouble in Austin. The novel’s blend of historical intrigue and cozy charm earned it a 2019 Agatha Award nomination and praise for its vibrant setting—think taco joints and historic buildings. Lineage Most Lethal (2020) dives into World War II espionage, with Lucy decoding a cryptic message tied to her grandfather’s past. Fatal Family Ties (2021) tackles a Civil War mystery, weaving family secrets and a stolen painting into a gripping plot.
Perkins’s style is light yet layered, balancing humor, romance, and historical tidbits with clever puzzles. Her protagonist, Lucy, is a relatable mix of stubbornness and warmth, often joined by quirky friends like taco maestro Big Flaco and a cat named Neil Patrick Housecat. Perkins’s deep Texan roots shine through in her vivid depictions of Austin’s culture, from its taquerias to its research archives, making each book a cozy escape with a side of Southern sass.
Why S.C. Perkins Matters
S.C. Perkins has redefined the cozy mystery by infusing it with genealogical flair, appealing to history buffs and puzzle lovers alike. Her work highlights the power of uncovering personal histories, showing how the past shapes the present in unexpected ways. By setting her stories in a richly drawn Texas, Perkins celebrates regional culture while crafting universal tales of connection and discovery. Her growing fanbase eagerly awaits more adventures with Lucy Lancaster, proof of her lasting impact in the genre.
- Born: Houston, Texas (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: Murder Once Removed, Lineage Most Lethal, Fatal Family Ties
- Awards: 2017 Malice Domestic Best First Traditional Mystery; 2019 Agatha Award Nominee
- Fun Fact: Also writes historical mysteries as Celeste Connally
Ready to unravel a mystery with a Texas twist? Snag Murder Once Removed and dive into S.C. Perkins’s delightful world of genealogy and intrigue!