Picture a small-town Iowa postmaster spinning enchanting tales of witches and mysteries—meet Shirley Damsgaard! This cozy mystery author, who traded sorting mail for crafting paranormal adventures, captured readers’ hearts with her beloved Ophelia and Abby series. With a knack for blending small-town charm and supernatural intrigue, Damsgaard’s stories are as inviting as a warm Iowa sunset.
Her debut novel, Witch Way to Murder, earned an Agatha Award nomination, proving that even a late start in writing—at age 48—could lead to literary magic. Let’s dive into the life and works of this captivating storyteller who turned her vivid imagination into a celebrated mystery series.
The Making of Shirley Damsgaard
Born and raised on a farm near Winterset, Iowa, Shirley Damsgaard grew up as an only child, entertaining herself with pets, books, and a boundless imagination. Her early dream of becoming a princess didn’t pan out, so she followed a practical path: marriage, children, and a 30-year career with the U.S. Postal Service, including 24 years as postmaster in Stuart, Iowa. It wasn’t until her late husband suggested she try writing mysteries, inspired by her knack for predicting movie endings, that Damsgaard picked up a pen. Her lifelong fascination with the paranormal, combined with her rural roots, shaped the unique voice that would define her work.
Shirley Damsgaard’s Unforgettable Stories
Damsgaard’s Ophelia and Abby series, spanning seven novels, is the heart of her literary legacy. The series follows Ophelia Jensen, a reluctant psychic librarian, and her grandmother Abby, a spirited witch, as they solve crimes in the fictional Iowa town of Summerset. Her debut, Witch Way to Murder (2005), introduces this dynamic duo tackling a murder and a string of local catastrophes. Its cozy yet mystical vibe earned a 2006 Agatha Award nomination for Best First Novel, setting the stage for more adventures.
Subsequent books, like Charmed to Death (2006), delve deeper into Ophelia’s psychic struggles, while The Seventh Witch (2010) wraps the series with a magical family reunion and a feud-fueled mystery. Damsgaard’s style blends cozy mystery staples—small-town settings, quirky characters—with paranormal twists, creating a ‘Miss Marple with magic’ feel. Her stories, praised for their engaging plots and supernatural charm, resonate with fans of Charlaine Harris and Kim Harrison. Beyond the series, Damsgaard penned Love Lies Bleeding (2011) under the pseudonym Jess McConkey, a suspense novel, and Shadow Tales (2011), a collection of paranormal short stories.
Her writing process was no small feat. While working full-time as a postmaster, Damsgaard churned out two books a year, likening the nine-month publishing cycle to childbirth. Her Iowa upbringing infuses her work with authentic rural details, making Summerset a vivid backdrop for her supernatural sleuthing.
Why Shirley Damsgaard Matters
Shirley Damsgaard’s impact lies in her ability to weave cozy mysteries with paranormal flair, offering readers an escape into a world where magic and murder intertwine. Her Ophelia and Abby series carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, appealing to those who crave a touch of the supernatural without leaving the comfort of small-town life. Her late start in writing inspires aspiring authors, proving it’s never too late to chase a creative dream.
Damsgaard’s work also celebrates Iowa’s rural culture, grounding her fantastical tales in the heartland’s warmth and resilience. Her recognition, including a first-place win in the 2001 John Tigges Writing Contest and the Agatha nomination, underscores her skill in crafting stories that linger with readers long after the final page.
- Birthplace: Winterset, Iowa
- Key Works: Witch Way to Murder, The Seventh Witch, Love Lies Bleeding (as Jess McConkey)
- Awards: 2006 Agatha Award nominee, 2001 John Tigges Writing Contest winner
Snag Witch Way to Murder and dive into Shirley Damsgaard’s spellbinding blend of cozy mysteries and paranormal charm—your next favorite read awaits!