Picture a storyteller who swapped ancient bones for cozy mysteries filled with quirky characters and laugh-out-loud twists—meet Tamara Berry! This Edgar Award-winning author has charmed readers with her lighthearted tales, blending suspense, humor, and a touch of the paranormal. From her unexpected start in paleoanthropology to crafting bestselling novels, Berry’s journey is as captivating as her stories.
Based in Eastern Washington’s Bigfoot country, Berry writes cozy mysteries that feel like a warm hug on a rainy day. Her knack for turning grim topics like murder into playful, heartwarming adventures has earned her a loyal following. Let’s dive into the world of Tamara Berry, where every page promises a happy ending.
The Making of Tamara Berry
Tamara Berry’s path to authorship wasn’t a straight line. Initially set on becoming a paleoanthropologist, she enrolled at Eastern Washington University, dreaming of excavating ancient artifacts in Africa. But a literary class on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein changed everything. Captivated by the power of stories, she switched to English Literature, earning a B.A. and setting the stage for her writing career. Her early love for Nancy Drew novels and pop culture fueled her creative spark.
Berry’s writing journey began in 2012 under the pen name Tamara Morgan, crafting romantic comedies. Her first cozy mystery, Séances Are for Suckers, arrived in 2018, marking her debut as Tamara Berry. Despite facing rejections and cycling through manuscripts and agents, her persistence paid off. A clever query letter inspired by a viral Jane Austen video landed her multiple manuscript requests, proving her creative grit.
Tamara Berry’s Unforgettable Stories
Tamara Berry’s cozy mysteries are a delightful mix of humor, suspense, and quirky charm. Her Eleanor Wilde Mystery series follows a sham psychic turned village witch, blending paranormal flair with small-town intrigue. Séances Are for Suckers (2018) introduces Eleanor, a ghost hunter who doesn’t believe in ghosts, navigating eerie castles and clever cons. The series, spanning four books, wraps up with Hypnosis Is for Hacks (2021), showcasing Berry’s knack for witty dialogue and heartfelt moments.
The By the Book Mysteries series, starring thriller writer Tess Harrow, is equally gripping. Buried in a Good Book (2022), which won the 2023 Edgar Award for the Lilian Jackson Braun Memorial Prize, kicks off with Tess and her daughter Gertie unraveling a small-town murder amid Bigfoot sightings and body parts raining from the sky. Follow-ups On Spine of Death (2022) and Murder Off the Books (2023) cement Berry’s reputation for slapstick comedy and surprising twists. Her upcoming release, Murder Runs in the Family (April 2025), promises more cozy chaos.
Berry’s style is light yet layered, glossing over gruesome details to focus on fun. Her characters, like the ornery Edna St. Clair, burst with personality, while her settings—think rural Oregon cabins or quaint English villages—feel like characters themselves. Writing as Lucy Gilmore, she also pens uplifting women’s fiction, proving her versatility across genres.
Why Tamara Berry Matters
Tamara Berry has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, offering readers an escape into worlds where humor triumphs over darkness. Her ability to weave suspense with laughter has earned her critical acclaim, including the prestigious Edgar Award. Fans adore her for creating stories that feel like catching up with old friends, complete with quirky antics and guaranteed happy endings.
Beyond her books, Berry inspires aspiring writers with her perseverance. Her journey through rejections and creative pivots shows that success comes from grit and imagination. As a part-time freelance editor and copywriter, she balances her craft with a bustling family life, making her relatable to readers and writers alike.
- About Tamara Berry
- Key Works: Séances Are for Suckers, Buried in a Good Book, Murder Runs in the Family (upcoming)
- Awards: 2023 Edgar Award, Lilian Jackson Braun Memorial Prize
- Fun Fact: Lives in Bigfoot country with her family and a menagerie of pets
Snag Buried in a Good Book and dive into Tamara Berry’s cozy, quirky world—your next favorite mystery awaits!