Picture a storyteller who weaves small-town charm with witchy mysteries—meet Shawn McGuire! Born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in the scenic Mississippi River town of Winona, Minnesota, McGuire now calls Wisconsin home, where she crafts the beloved Whispering Pines Mystery series. Her stories, brimming with quirky characters and supernatural intrigue, have readers wishing they could move to her fictional Northwoods village.
McGuire’s journey to authorship is as captivating as her novels. From childhood tales inspired by Star Wars to a career spanning pizza parlors and payroll management, she discovered her true calling later in life. Today, her mysteries enchant readers with their cozy yet thrilling blend of Wicca, murder, and heartwarming community vibes.
The Making of Shawn McGuire
Born in Texas, Shawn McGuire grew up in Winona, Minnesota, surrounded by the Mississippi River’s beauty. After earning a degree in English and Business from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, she moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for over two decades before spending ten years in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Now back in Wisconsin, her diverse experiences—from stay-at-home mom to fabric store manager—infuse her stories with relatable, grounded characters. Her lifelong passion for writing ignited as a child when she penned Star Wars-inspired stories, though those notebooks are sadly lost. It wasn’t until later that she realized writing could be a career, a revelation that led to her first book in 2014.
Shawn McGuire’s Unforgettable Stories
McGuire’s Whispering Pines Mystery series, starting with Family Secrets (2017), introduces readers to Jayne O’Shea, a former detective returning to Whispering Pines, Wisconsin, only to stumble upon a dead body. This 13-book series, plus novellas, blends cozy mysteries with Wiccan elements, set in a village where outsiders find belonging. Kept Secrets (2017) escalates the stakes with carnie murders, while Original Secrets (2017) uncovers decades-old village secrets. Her newer series, Witches of Blackwood Grove, explores magical family dynamics, with The Crones (2023) earning praise for its Practical Magic-like charm.
McGuire’s style is a delightful mix of suspense, supernatural flair, and small-town warmth. She researches Wiccan sabbats and creative murder methods to keep her plots fresh, ensuring each book feels like a visit to a quirky, slightly eerie village. Readers praise her well-developed characters and unpredictable twists, often comparing Whispering Pines to a lighter version of Louise Penny’s Three Pines.
Why Shawn McGuire Matters
Shawn McGuire’s impact lies in her ability to create worlds readers long to inhabit, despite the occasional dead body. Her Whispering Pines series has cultivated a loyal following, with fans on Goodreads and Amazon begging for more. By blending Wicca with cozy mysteries, she’s carved a niche that appeals to readers seeking both thrills and heart. Her journey from varied careers to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream. McGuire’s stories remind us that even in the smallest towns, big mysteries—and bigger hearts—await.
- Born: San Antonio, Texas
- Key Works: Whispering Pines Mystery series, Witches of Blackwood Grove series
- First Book: Published in 2014
- Hobbies: Motorcycle rides, yoga, dark chocolate
Ready for a cozy mystery with a magical twist? Snag Family Secrets and dive into Shawn McGuire’s enchanting Whispering Pines!