Picture a storyteller who serves up cozy mysteries with a side of culinary delight—meet Susannah Hardy! Writing under a pseudonym, this American author, Jane Haertel, crafts tales that blend the charm of small-town life with the thrill of amateur sleuthing. Her Greek to Me Mysteries, set in the fictional Bonaparte Bay, New York, invite readers into a world where food, fun, and a touch of chaos create unforgettable stories.
Hardy’s journey from a hesitant dreamer to a published author is a testament to perseverance. With a knack for weaving humor and heart into her narratives, she’s carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, proving it’s never too late to chase your literary passions.
The Making of Susannah Hardy
Born Jane Haertel in Northern New York, just a stone’s throw from the Canadian border, Hardy grew up steeped in the tight-knit community vibes that later inspired her stories. A graduate of St. Lawrence University, she initially saw writing as a distant dream, something reserved for ‘special’ people with extraordinary muses. Yet, her love for cozy mysteries—those light, humorous tales of small-town sleuths—kept her scribbling chapters in secret. It wasn’t until her son grew older, freeing up time, that Hardy joined a local writing group and the Romance Writers of America, turning her hobby into a profession.
Choosing the pseudonym Susannah Hardy, a nod to a grandmother’s name, she sidestepped potential pronunciation issues with her real surname and a dash of political controversy. With the guidance of agent John Talbot, she landed a book deal, launching her into the cozy mystery scene with gusto.
Susannah Hardy’s Unforgettable Stories
Hardy’s Greek to Me Mysteries, published by Berkley Prime Crime, center on Georgie Nikolopatos, a spirited restaurant manager in Bonaparte Bay. The series kicks off with Feta Attraction (2015), where Georgie tackles her husband’s disappearance and a rival’s murder amid rumors of ghosts and hidden treasure. Olive and Let Die (2015) dives deeper into Georgie’s chaotic life, blending divorce drama with sleuthing. A Killer Kebab (2016) sees her navigating a murder mystery during restaurant renovations, complete with a suspicious ex-dishwasher.
Under the pseudonym Sadie Hartwell, Hardy also pens the Tangled Web Mysteries, focusing on yarn store manager Josie Blair. Her writing sparkles with culinary flair—recipes often accompany her stories, reflecting her love for food as a storytelling device. Hardy’s style is light, humorous, and rich with quirky characters, capturing the essence of small-town dynamics. Her mysteries are less about gore and more about community, making them perfect for readers craving a cozy escape.
Themes of resilience and reinvention shine through, mirroring Hardy’s own path. Whether it’s Georgie rebuilding her life or Josie untangling a mystery, Hardy’s heroines embody the idea that ordinary people can solve extraordinary problems.
Why Susannah Hardy Matters
Susannah Hardy’s work resonates with cozy mystery fans who cherish stories that feel like a warm hug. Her focus on culinary themes taps into the growing popularity of food-centric mysteries, where recipes are as crucial as clues. By setting her tales in a fictional Northern New York town, she celebrates the region’s charm, inviting readers to imagine themselves in Bonaparte Bay’s bustling Greek restaurant.
Hardy’s journey also inspires aspiring writers, showing that persistence and community support can turn dreams into reality. Her ability to juggle pseudonyms and series while maintaining a distinct voice highlights her versatility, making her a quiet but impactful figure in the genre.
- Born: Northern New York
- Key Works: Feta Attraction, Olive and Let Die, A Killer Kebab
- Pseudonyms: Susannah Hardy, Sadie Hartwell
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Culinary Mystery
Snag Feta Attraction and dive into Susannah Hardy’s deliciously cozy world of mysteries and moussaka!