Picture a storyteller who weaves mysteries as intricate as the tango she dances and as vast as the seas she sails—meet Sharon Duncan! This bestselling American author has captivated readers with her Friday Harbor-based Scotia MacKinnon mystery series and is now thrilling audiences with espionage tales featuring MI5 officer Kate St. Claire. A linguist, sailor, and tango dancer, Duncan’s vibrant life infuses her stories with authenticity and intrigue.
From her homes in Washington’s San Juan Islands and the Gulf of Mexico to sojourns in Buenos Aires, Duncan’s world is as dynamic as her novels. Her journey from language instructor to celebrated novelist proves that passion can chart new courses, delivering gripping tales that blend her eclectic experiences with masterful storytelling.
The Making of Sharon Duncan
Born with a love for language, Sharon Duncan grew up in Michigan, where snowy evenings with her mother’s book clubs sparked her passion for mystery and espionage. After earning degrees from Michigan State University and pursuing graduate studies in California, she became a university instructor and language test developer. Her linguistic expertise and global travels—honed through sailing and tango dancing—laid the foundation for her writing career. Duncan’s leap into fiction began when she traded academia for the thrill of crafting mysteries, debuting with the Scotia MacKinnon series in 2001.
Sharon Duncan’s Unforgettable Stories
Duncan’s Scotia MacKinnon mystery series, set in the picturesque Friday Harbor, follows private investigator Scotia MacKinnon as she unravels complex cases. Death on a Casual Friday (2001) introduces Scotia tackling a lawyer’s murder amidst political intrigue, praised for its cozy yet gripping style. A Deep Blue Farewell (2002) dives into a sailor’s suspicious drowning, blending Duncan’s nautical expertise with suspense. The Lavender Butterfly Murders (2004) weaves a web of betrayal across San Francisco and Idaho, showcasing Scotia’s tenacity. Her latest, Quantum of Evidence (2017), revisits a cold-case murder with fresh twists.
In 2017, Duncan ventured into espionage with Going Dark, the first in her Kate St. Claire series. Featuring a sharp MI5 officer, the novel draws on Duncan’s love for British spy stories and her travels in London and Scotland. Her writing style—rich with atmospheric settings, strong female leads, and intricate plots—reflects influences from Sue Henry and Jacqueline Winspear. Duncan’s ability to merge her sailing adventures, linguistic precision, and tango-inspired flair creates stories that feel both grounded and exhilarating.
With a knack for crafting heroines who navigate danger with wit and resilience, Duncan’s works resonate with fans of cozy mysteries and thrilling espionage alike. Her shift to self-publishing via Amazon has allowed her creative freedom, and she dreams of seeing Kate St. Claire on a BBC series, bringing her spy world to life.
Why Sharon Duncan Matters
Sharon Duncan’s impact lies in her ability to craft immersive worlds that reflect her multifaceted life. Her Scotia MacKinnon series has carved a niche in cozy mysteries, offering readers a Pacific Northwest escape filled with intrigue. Her pivot to espionage with Kate St. Claire broadens her appeal, tapping into the global fascination with spy thrillers. By championing strong, smart female protagonists, Duncan inspires readers to embrace courage and curiosity, much like her own journey from academia to authorship.
Her stories, infused with nautical and cultural details, celebrate the power of reinvention. Duncan’s global fanbase and critical acclaim underscore her influence, proving that even lesser-known authors can leave a lasting mark through passion and authenticity.
- Key Works: Scotia MacKinnon series, Kate St. Claire series
- Hobbies: Sailing, tango dancing, linguistics
- Residences: San Juan Islands, Gulf of Mexico, occasional Buenos Aires visits
Ready to sail into a mystery or dance through a spy thriller? Grab Death on a Casual Friday or Going Dark and dive into Sharon Duncan’s captivating world!