Picture a Washington State storyteller who spins cozy mysteries with the warmth of a hand-stitched quilt—meet Tess Rothery! With her knack for blending small-town charm, quirky characters, and a dash of murder, Tess has carved a cozy niche in the mystery genre. Her tales of quilting expos and talking cats invite readers into a world where community and craftsmanship unravel even the trickiest crimes.
Known for her Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop Mystery series and A Lady and her Cat Mysteries, Tess Rothery brings the Pacific Northwest’s rainy days to life with stories that feel like a warm coffee on a chilly morning. But there’s more to Tess than her novels—she’s a passionate indie publishing teacher, empowering aspiring authors to stitch their own stories together.
The Making of Tess Rothery
Tess Rothery’s journey began in the rain-soaked landscapes of Washington State, where she lives with her cozy family and a loyal dog. An avid quilter and knitter, Tess found inspiration in the textures and patterns of her crafts, which later wove their way into her writing. With a history degree from Portland State University, she developed a love for storytelling that captures the quirks of human nature. Her early career included a stint as Vice President of the Portland chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association, where she honed her craft and began teaching indie publishing.
Tess’s writing career kicked off with a bang, earning her the Mystery/Suspense Category win at the 2012 Christian Writers of the West Phoenix Rattler Contest. Her passion for cozy mysteries grew from her love of small-town life, where secrets lurk beneath the surface of everyday routines. Writing under her pen name (and real name, Traci Tyne Hilton, for Christian fiction), Tess embraced the indie publishing world, sharing her expertise at conferences like the Southwest Washington Writers Conference.
Tess Rothery’s Unforgettable Stories
Tess Rothery’s cozy mysteries are like a quilt: intricate, comforting, and full of surprises. Her flagship series, the Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop Mysteries, follows Taylor Quinn, a quilt shop owner in Comfort, Oregon, who stitches together clues to solve murders. The first book, Assault and Batting (2019), introduces Taylor’s world of quilting expos and family ties, earning praise for its heartwarming relationships and classic puzzle-solving. Bound and Deceased (2020) deepens the stakes as Taylor investigates a quilter’s mysterious death, blending romance and suspense.
In A Lady and her Cat Mysteries, Tess unleashes her playful side with Birdie, a sleuth who hears her cat talking (thanks to stress-induced hallucinations). The series’ debut, A Deadly Affair in Petit-Paris, is a hilarious romp through a small town where Birdie’s impulsive heart leads her into danger. Tess’s style shines through her vivid settings, witty dialogue, and themes of community, making her books a hit with cozy lovers and even non-quilters.
Tess’s stories stand out for their modern, realistic characters who face real-life issues, from grief to financial struggles, all while unraveling mysteries. Her Pacific Northwest settings, drenched in rain and charm, transport readers to a world where murder hides beneath cozy surfaces, earning her a devoted following.
Why Tess Rothery Matters
Tess Rothery’s impact goes beyond her page-turning mysteries. As an indie author, she’s a trailblazer in the cozy mystery genre, proving that self-publishing can deliver stories as compelling as those from big publishers. Her teaching at conferences and workshops has empowered countless writers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, fostering a community of indie authors who share her passion for storytelling.
For readers, Tess offers an escape into worlds where quilts, coffee, and crime create a perfect blend of comfort and intrigue. Her ability to weave faith, hope, and love into her narratives (under both her pen names) resonates with those seeking stories that uplift as much as they entertain. Tess Rothery’s legacy is one of connection—between characters, readers, and aspiring writers chasing their dreams.
- Born: Washington State, USA
- Key Works: Assault and Batting, Bound and Deceased, A Deadly Affair in Petit-Paris, Good Bones
- Awards: 2012 Christian Writers of the West Phoenix Rattler Contest (Mystery/Suspense)
- Fun Fact: Tess is also an avid knitter and quilter!
Ready to cozy up with a mystery? Snag Assault and Batting and dive into Tess Rothery’s heartwarming whodunits!