This is the fourth letter/comment from a Cozy Mystery reader who is trying to identify a particular author. Before my endless lists, I had that problem a lot!
Deborah writes:
“Hi – I am trying to remember the name of an author – here is what I remember about the books – Main character was in the newspaper business (I think) in a large city in CA (San Francisco, I think) and when her dad died in a small town in Northern CA she went home to take care of things. I think her dad owned the local paper and she ended up keeping it open – solving some mysteries – meeting up with her high school boyfriend, the local attorney who was her dad’s friend – and deciding to live there again. I remember a story involving a good friend from high school and a big fire (arson, I think). Does this sound familiar to anyone? Would appreciate any suggestions on how to find this series. Thanks.”
This does not sound familiar to me, but maybe one of you know who Deborah is trying “to find”. Please post a comment if you do. Thank you!
ginger says
Could it be Mary Dahiem series, Emma Lord. They start the Alpine A to Z. I think is she is up to V. That is the only one that I can think of right now.
Riva says
Well, it sounds sort of like the Green, LA series (starts with Gone to Green) – except that takes place in northern Louisiana and the newspaper owner was the heroine’s mentor, not her dad. There are a couple of mysteries in the first book – vandalism and the fire – but the series (of five books) isn’t a cozy series; it’s more chick lit. (Full disclosure: it’s from a Christian publisher).
Jennifer says
This sounds a lot like the Hallmark Movie “Daniel’s Daughter” actually haha.
susie calkins says
I love these questions! my Google search came up with Penny Parker Mysteries by Margaret Wirt. http://www.series-books.com/pennyparker/pennyparker2.html Main page; http://www.series-books.com/. The description reads: “This seventeen volume series by Mildred A. Wirt was published during the 1930s and 1940s. Irrepressible Penny Parker works as a newspaper reporter for her father’s newspaper.” They look like they appeared around the same time as Nancy Drew and Judy Bolton. The vintage cozies! I hope the reader tells us if one of these suggestions is right.
Mary Joy says
It sounds a lot like one of my favorites from several years ago. Is it the Kali O’Brien series by Jonnie Jacobs?loved the whole series and her Murder Among…….Series. Publisher did not want her to go forward with either of these. She had a couple of stand alone books and has another one coming out very soon, I believe. Can’t remember exact date. I had written to her a while ago at her website to tell her how much I liked her books and she told me she was finishing a new stand alone book. I highly recommend her books – true Cozies, but very interesting plots. Hope this is it, Deborah. Let us know!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you for these suggested authors. I hope Deborah is able to find the one she is looking for.
Mary Daheim – Emma Lord Alpine Mystery Series
Judy Christie – Green Series (1. Gone to Green)
Margaret A. Wirt – Penny Parker Mystery Series (1. Tale of the Witch Doll)
Jonnie Jacobs – Kali O’Brien Mystery Series
marja says
Deborah, I wish I could remember the name of this mystery too — I recall reading it. Wasn’t one of the reporters now editing the paper, and he and the female protagonist had some power struggles, then decided to be friends? It didn’t go farther because she already had a boyfriend. Gosh, I hope it’s one listed here, b/c if there are more books in the series I’d love to read them.
Mel says
I agree with Ginger, it sounded like Mary Daheim’s “Alpine/Emma Lord” series.
Regina says
that series does not sound like Mary Daheim’s Emma Lord. She bought her newspaper with an insurance payment on the death of her former boyfriend. Her parents were dead .
Sandy says
I am also looking for a series…..main character’s best friend is married to an ex-pro wrestler. I believe she is in the newspaper business as well.
jo says
hi i have definitely read this, it is a sandra brown book, will look more into this and let you know
Fran says
I love this site, since I am always hungry for new authors.
I am trying to find a series I started a few years ago. It was set in San Francisco at the turn of the century. The woman who is the protagonist has trained as a lawyer but faces extreme opposition in attempting to fulfill her ambitions.
Can anyone help with either the title or the author?
Thanks
Fran
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Fran, I’m glad you found that site and hope you are able to find some new authors.
(If you don’t get any suggestions, I’ll post your query on a future entry.