Picture a Los Angeles paralegal spinning tales of mystery and humor, with a knack for crafting relatable heroines—meet Sue Ann Jaffarian! This plus-size, middle-aged author has charmed readers with her witty Odelia Grey Mystery series and spooky Ghost of Granny Apples novels, blending cozy mysteries with heart and hilarity. Her stories resonate with fans who adore her authentic, down-to-earth characters.
The Making of Sue Ann Jaffarian
Born and raised in the United States, Sue Ann Jaffarian spent years as a paralegal in Los Angeles, a career that inspired her beloved character Odelia Grey. Her passion for storytelling sparked at age 11, fueled by a love for fiction. In 1995, she committed to her dream, transitioning from legal documents to novels. Her background as a motivational speaker and former stand-up comic infuses her work with humor and warmth.
Sue Ann Jaffarian’s Unforgettable Stories
Jaffarian’s Odelia Grey Mystery series, starting with Too Big to Miss (2001), follows a plus-size, middle-aged paralegal who stumbles into murders with whip-smart charm. Odelia’s relatable struggles and humor have earned critical acclaim, with the series spanning 12 books and winning a Bronze Medal from the Independent Publisher Book Awards in 2007. The Ghost of Granny Apples series, beginning with Ghost a la Mode (2009), introduces Emma Whitecastle and her pie-baking ghostly ancestor, solving historical mysteries with a paranormal twist. Jaffarian also penned the Madison Rose Vampire Mysteries and the Zelda Bowen series, showcasing her versatility across cozy mysteries, paranormal tales, and humorous fiction.
Her writing style is a delightful mix of humor, suspense, and heart, often featuring strong, unconventional female leads. Jaffarian’s ability to weave cozy mysteries with relatable themes—like body positivity and midlife adventures—sets her apart. Her recent memoir, I Sleep Around, chronicles her nomadic RV lifestyle, blending humor and self-discovery, praised as “funny, adventurous, and educational” by author Matt Coyle.
Why Sue Ann Jaffarian Matters
Sue Ann Jaffarian’s impact lies in her celebration of underrepresented voices, particularly plus-size and middle-aged women, through characters like Odelia Grey. Her humor and authenticity have built a devoted fanbase, with readers praising her for making mysteries accessible and fun. As a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, she’s a respected figure in the cozy mystery genre, inspiring aspiring writers to embrace their unique perspectives.
- Born: United States
- Key Works: Odelia Grey Mysteries, Ghost of Granny Apples Mysteries, I Sleep Around
- Awards: Bronze Medal, Independent Publisher Book Awards (2007)
- Fun Fact: Jaffarian once performed as a stand-up comic!
Snag Too Big to Miss or Ghost a la Mode and dive into Sue Ann Jaffarian’s cozy, humorous world of mysteries!