Picture a storyteller who casts a line into the tranquil waters of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, reeling in mysteries as gripping as a muskie on the hook—meet Victoria Houston! This acclaimed American mystery writer has hooked readers with her Loon Lake Mystery series, blending cozy whodunits with the thrill of fly-fishing. From her roots in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Houston’s journey to becoming a beloved author is as captivating as her tales.
The Making of Victoria Houston
Born in 1945 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Victoria Houston grew up immersed in the fishing culture that would later define her work. By age three, she was casting lines for walleye and bluegills, though she briefly swapped fishing for boys at eleven. After winning a scholarship to Bennington College, Houston’s path took her through journalism, publicity, and two marriages, including one to a man nine years her junior, inspiring her non-fiction book Loving a Younger Man. Her varied career, from art critic to PR director for Andrews & McMeel, honed her storytelling skills before she returned to Rhinelander to pen mysteries.
Victoria Houston’s Un accordion Stories
Houston’s Loon Lake Mystery series, launched with Dead Angler in 2000, is a love letter to Wisconsin’s fishing culture. Set in the fictional town of Loon Lake, her novels follow retired dentist Dr. Paul Osborne and Police Chief Lewellyn Ferris as they solve murders against a backdrop of fly-fishing and small-town charm. Dead Creek (2000), her second novel, emerged from a mentor’s praise for her Wisconsin-inspired writing, showcasing her knack for vivid settings. Dead Water (2001) weaves a chilling tale of a murdered woman with mysterious marks, while Wolf Hollow (2022), part of the Lew Ferris Mystery spin-off, tackles modern crimes with the same rustic allure. Houston’s style is cozy yet thrilling, with richly drawn characters and plots as unpredictable as a fish’s bite.
Her non-fiction, like Loving a Younger Man and Alone After School, reflects her curiosity about human relationships and family dynamics. Houston’s ability to pivot from journalism to mystery writing highlights her versatility, with fishing serving as both muse and metaphor for life’s unexpected twists.
Why Victoria Houston Matters
Victoria Houston’s impact lies in her unique fusion of mystery and regional culture, making the Northwoods a character in its own right. Her Loon Lake series has earned praise from The Wall Street Journal and NPR, resonating with readers who crave authentic, place-driven stories. By centering fishing—a sport often overlooked in literature—she’s carved a niche that celebrates Wisconsin’s heritage and draws anglers and mystery fans alike. Her reinvention as a novelist in her fifties inspires aspiring writers to embrace their passions at any age.
- Born: 1945, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
- Key Works: Dead Angler, Dead Creek, Dead Water, Wolf Hollow
- Notable: Featured in The Wall Street Journal and NPR’s Talk of the Nation
Snag Dead Angler and dive into Victoria Houston’s cozy, fish-filled mysteries—you’ll be hooked!