Picture a cozy mystery maven who spins tales of bookshops, poodles, and clever sleuths—meet Valerie V.M. Burns! With her knack for weaving humor, heart, and suspense, Burns has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre. Her debut, The Plot is Murder, snagged an Agatha Award nomination, launching a career that’s as warm and inviting as a fireside read.
Now settled in Tennessee with her beloved poodles, Burns crafts stories that blend small-town charm with intricate puzzles. From Michigan bookshops to British historic mysteries, her work captivates readers craving a delightful escape. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this rising star!
The Making of Valerie V.M. Burns
Born in Northwest Indiana and raised in Southwest Michigan, Valerie V.M. Burns grew up with a love for stories and dogs—especially poodles. With degrees from Northwestern University, the University of Notre Dame, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, she honed her craft while balancing a career as an operations manager. Inspired by Agatha Christie and Victoria Thompson, Burns dreamed of writing mysteries that spark joy and challenge the mind. Her leap into authorship came after years of devouring cozies, fueled by a desire to create her own “whodunit” puzzles.
Valerie V.M. Burns’s Unforgettable Stories
Burns’s flagship Mystery Bookshop series follows Samantha Washington, a widow who opens a mystery bookstore in North Harbor, Michigan, while penning her own British cozy mysteries. The debut, The Plot is Murder (2017), introduces Sam’s dual narrative—a contemporary mystery and her historical work-in-progress—earning an Agatha Award nod for its fresh approach. Later installments like A Tourist’s Guide to Murder (2021) take Sam and her lively Shady Acres friends to England, blending literary nods with clever twists.
Under the pseudonym Kallie E. Benjamin, Burns launched the Bailey the Bloodhound series, starting with Sniffing Out Murder (2023), inspired by her poodle’s knack for sniffing out truth. Her Baker Street Mystery series, beginning with Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder (2022), follows social media star Maddy Montgomery as she navigates a bakery and a murder case. Burns’s style shines with witty dialogue, diverse casts, and a “story-within-a-story” structure that doubles the fun.
The Dog Club Mystery and RJ Franklin Mystery series further showcase her versatility, blending canine charm and cultural depth. Her love for poodles—Aggie and Rex, named after Christie and Rex Stout—infuses her work with warmth, while her Midwestern roots ground her settings in authenticity.
Why Valerie V.M. Burns Matters
Burns brings diversity and heart to the cozy mystery genre, where African American authors are rare. Her inclusive characters and engaging narratives challenge stereotypes, inviting a broader readership. As an Edgar, Anthony, and Next Generation Indie Award finalist, she’s earned critical acclaim, yet her true impact lies in her ability to craft stories that feel like a chat with a friend. Her mentorship at Seton Hill University and leadership in Sisters in Crime amplify her influence, nurturing new voices in crime fiction.
Her work resonates with readers who crave cozy mysteries that balance humor, suspense, and relatability. By celebrating bookshops, dogs, and community, Burns reminds us that even in murder mysteries, kindness and connection prevail.
- Birthplace: South Bend, Indiana
- Key Works: The Plot is Murder, Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder, Sniffing Out Murder
- Awards: Agatha, Edgar, Anthony, and Next Generation Indie Award finalist
- Fun Fact: Her poodles, Kenzie and Chloe, inspire her canine characters!
Ready to cozy up with a great read? Snag The Plot is Murder and dive into Valerie V.M. Burns’s delightful world of mysteries, mischief, and poodle-powered charm!