Picture a Texas storyteller who traded CIA secrets for small-town mysteries—meet Terry Shames! With her award-winning Samuel Craddock series, she’s spun tales of loyalty, betrayal, and justice that capture the heart of rural Texas. Her debut, A Killing at Cotton Hill, snagged the Macavity Award, proving her knack for crafting compelling crime stories with a warm, human touch.
Born on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Shames weaves the landscapes and quirks of her home state into every page. Her journey from computer analyst to celebrated author is as intriguing as her plots, blending grit, heart, and a dash of Southern charm.
The Making of Terry Shames
Terry Shames grew up in a small Texas town, where her grandparents’ stories and the tight-knit community fueled her imagination. After graduating from the University of Texas, she took an unexpected detour, working as a computer analyst for the CIA in Langley, Virginia. The high-stress tech world left her craving creativity, so she pursued an MA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Early on, she dabbled in sci-fi and short stories, but it was the mystery genre—and her fictional town of Jarrett Creek—that truly sparked her voice.
Terry Shames’s Unforgettable Stories
Shames’s Samuel Craddock series, starting with A Killing at Cotton Hill (2013), introduces a retired police chief in his 60s, navigating murder and morality in Jarrett Creek, Texas. Craddock, a widower grieving his wife, is a standout—intelligent, compassionate, and relentless. The debut novel, which won the Macavity Award for Best First Mystery, follows Craddock as he unravels the stabbing of his friend Dora Lee Parjeter, exposing land schemes and family secrets.
Subsequent novels like The Last Death of Jack Harbin (2014) and An Unsettling Crime for Samuel Craddock (2017) deepen the series’ exploration of small-town dynamics. Shames’s style is vivid yet unpretentious, blending rich Texas settings with themes of justice and human frailty. Her 2024 thriller, Perilous Waters, kicks off the Jessie Madison series, showcasing her versatility with a fast-paced adventure set in the Bahamas.
Whether it’s Craddock’s steady investigations or Madison’s high-stakes escapades, Shames excels at creating relatable characters and plots that keep readers guessing. Her work balances gritty crime with heartwarming moments, making her mysteries both thrilling and deeply human.
Why Terry Shames Matters
Terry Shames has carved a niche in the mystery genre by bringing small-town Texas to life with authenticity and warmth. Her Samuel Craddock series, praised by outlets like Library Journal, resonates with readers for its nuanced portrayal of community and morality. By tackling issues like racism and greed through Craddock’s lens, Shames addresses modern concerns while staying true to the genre’s roots. Her shift to thrillers with the Jessie Madison series proves her storytelling prowess, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim.
As a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, Shames also champions the genre’s community, inspiring new writers. Her ability to blend Texas charm with universal themes ensures her stories endure, inviting readers to explore the complexities of human nature.
- Born: Gulf Coast, Texas
- Key Works: A Killing at Cotton Hill, The Last Death of Jack Harbin, Perilous Waters
- Awards: Macavity Award for Best First Mystery (2013), RT Reviews Critics Award (2016)
- Fun Fact: Shames once sailed the Bahamas, inspiring her Jessie Madison series!
Snag A Killing at Cotton Hill and dive into Terry Shames’s captivating Texas mysteries—you’ll be hooked by the first page!