Picture a Florida storyteller who brews mysteries as bold as her favorite coffee—meet Tara Lush! A former Associated Press journalist turned cozy mystery maestro, Lush captivates readers with her Coffee Lover’s Mystery series, blending tropical vibes, quirky characters, and a dash of romance. Her tales of barista-sleuth Lana Lewis in the fictional Devil’s Beach have earned her a loyal following and critical acclaim.
With a George C. Polk Award for environmental journalism and a nod as an RWA Rita finalist, Lush brings a reporter’s eye for detail and a novelist’s flair for fun to her work. Whether she’s writing about murder over mochas or steamy romances under her pen name Tamara Lush, her stories are as vibrant as the Gulf Coast she calls home.
The Making of Tara Lush
Growing up with a love for vintage pulp fiction and Sinatra-era jazz, Tara Lush always had a knack for storytelling. Her career began in the fast-paced world of journalism, where she spent over a decade with The Associated Press, covering everything from crime to alligators in Florida. This gritty experience honed her ability to spot a good story, a skill she now pours into her fiction. An Amtrak writing fellowship fueled her creative spark, and soon, she was crafting novels that married her investigative roots with her passion for cozy, tropical escapism.
Tara Lush’s Unforgettable Stories
Lush’s Coffee Lover’s Mystery series, starting with Grounds for Murder (2020), introduces Lana Lewis, a former reporter turned barista who solves crimes in the quirky town of Devil’s Beach. When her star employee is found dead, Lana’s investigative instincts kick in, leading to a latte trouble and a cast of colorful suspects. The series continues with Cold Brew Corpse (2021), where a steamy September brings more murder to Lana’s coffee shop, and Live and Let Grind (2022), tackling a neighbor’s explosive demise.
Under her pen name Tamara Lush, she writes contemporary romances set in sultry, tropical locales, like Constant Craving, a 2018 RWA Rita finalist. Lush’s style is a frothy blend of humor, heart, and suspense, with Florida’s weird and wonderful culture—think monkeys on the loose and giant eyeballs washing ashore—woven into every page. Her coffee shop research (yes, she’s toured cafes for the sake of “research”) adds authenticity, making Perkatory, Lana’s cafe, feel like a real Gulf Coast gem.
Her latest work, Total Eclipse of the Hex (2025), part of the Crescent Moon Mystery series, promises more supernatural sleuthing in the sun-soaked town of Cypress Grove. Lush’s ability to balance cozy charm with ominous twists keeps readers hooked, sipping her stories to the last drop.
Why Tara Lush Matters
Tara Lush has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by infusing it with Florida’s eclectic charm and her journalistic precision. Her stories resonate with readers who crave lighthearted whodunits with a side of sunshine and strong coffee. By spotlighting strong, relatable heroines like Lana Lewis, she empowers readers to embrace their own curiosity and resilience. Her dual career as a romance and mystery writer showcases her versatility, making her a standout in both genres.
Beyond her books, Lush’s journey from reporter to novelist inspires aspiring writers, proving that a sharp eye and a love for storytelling can brew something truly special. Her work celebrates the quirks of small-town life, reminding us that even in paradise, there’s always a mystery to solve.
- Born: Florida native, now living on the Gulf Coast
- Key Works: Grounds for Murder, Cold Brew Corpse, Live and Let Grind, Constant Craving (as Tamara Lush)
- Awards: George C. Polk Award, RWA Rita finalist, Amtrak writing fellow
- Fun Fact: She’s a coffee aficionado who’s toured cafes for book research
Snag Grounds for Murder and dive into Tara Lush’s cozy, coffee-fueled mysteries today!