Picture a cozy small-town mystery unfolding in a treehouse hotel, where a clever sleuth and her trusty dog unravel secrets—meet Sue Hollowell! This American author, a master of the cozy mystery genre, discovered her storytelling passion later in life, captivating readers with her Treehouse Hotel Mysteries series. With warmth, humor, and intricate puzzles, Sue’s novels have earned a devoted following, proving it’s never too late to chase a literary dream.
As an empty nester, Sue transformed her love for mysteries into a thriving writing career, crafting stories that blend heartwarming characters with engaging whodunits. Her relatable protagonists and charming settings make every book a delightful escape for cozy mystery fans.
The Making of Sue Hollowell
Sue Hollowell, a wife and empty nester, found herself with time on her hands and a lifelong passion for mystery novels. Before becoming a published author, she explored writing through an unpublished manuscript, The Chemical Bond, about a young woman seeking justice for her father’s murder. This project taught her the ins and outs of publishing and ignited her love for storytelling. Inspired by her own life transitions, Sue began crafting cozy mysteries, drawing on her knack for creating relatable characters and intricate plots.
Her journey from hobbyist to prolific author reflects her determination and creativity. With no formal writing background, Sue’s success stems from her ability to connect with readers through authentic, puzzle-driven narratives set in quaint small towns.
Sue Hollowell’s Unforgettable Stories
Sue’s Treehouse Hotel Mysteries series is the heart of her literary legacy, featuring Chloe Carson, a sixty-year-old widow, and her cocker spaniel, Max, solving crimes in Cedarbrook. The series kicked off with Peonies and Peril (2020), where Chloe returns to her hometown to save her family’s treehouse hotel, only to stumble upon a murder in a peony patch. Readers love the light, cozy vibe, free of gore or cliffhangers, with plenty of flowers and pastries to sweeten the deal.
Subsequent novels, like Violets and Vengeance (2020) and Lavender and Larceny (2021), deepen the series’ charm, blending quirky characters, canine sleuthing, and small-town scandals. Violets and Vengeance sees Chloe tackling a mysterious death at a dog spa, while Lavender and Larceny dives into a lavender festival marred by a suspicious death and a stolen recipe. Sue’s writing style—concise, engaging, and infused with humor—makes each novella a quick, satisfying read, often finished in under two hours.
Beyond the Treehouse Hotel series, Sue has ventured into other cozy mystery collections, including the Belle Harbor Cozy Mysteries and Sunny Honey B&B Cozy Mysteries, showcasing her versatility. Her stories consistently emphasize community, clever puzzles, and the joy of second chances, resonating with readers seeking lighthearted escapes.
Why Sue Hollowell Matters
Sue Hollowell’s impact lies in her ability to craft cozy mysteries that feel like a warm hug, offering readers a respite from the chaos of everyday life. Her focus on older protagonists, like Chloe Carson, brings a fresh perspective to the genre, celebrating resilience and reinvention. Fans praise her well-developed characters and fast-paced plots, with reviews highlighting the “believable relationships” and “smart dog” that elevate her stories.
As an author who began writing later in life, Sue inspires aspiring writers to pursue their passions at any age. Her growing bibliography—spanning over 140 books across multiple series—demonstrates her dedication to the craft and her influence in the cozy mystery community, where she’s become a beloved figure for fans craving heartwarming, puzzle-filled adventures.
- Key Works: Treehouse Hotel Mysteries, Belle Harbor Cozy Mysteries
- First Published: 2020 (Peonies and Peril)
- Fun Fact: Sue’s unpublished novel, The Chemical Bond, sparked her publishing journey.
Ready to cozy up with a charming mystery? Snag Peonies and Peril and dive into Sue Hollowell’s delightful world of small-town sleuthing!