After months of figuring out ambiguous clues in Fine Print, deciding they were too obscure, adding a bit more clarity, removing clarity, and adding a bit more in again, you’d think the last thing I’d want is a new mystery to read.
Yeah. Not hardly. I found myself digging through page after page of ideas. This one. That. The other. Then I realized I just couldn’t be the only one who likes a good mystery.
So, I decided to compile a list.
Do you know how many amazing Christian Fiction Mystery authors there are? Do you? Yeah. I didn’t have a clue and still knew I would need to whittle down that list a bit.
I decided to set some parameters. That oughtta fix it nicely, right?
So, I decided to limit it to Indie authors this time. Why not? We live once.
To find the best names, I then decided to ask in a Facebook group I love–one for readers.
I sent out a call for suggestions for Indie mystery authors only. And these were the names I got! Without further ado:
Note: links in this post are likely affiliate links that provide me a small commission, but it doesn’t add to your cost at all. 🙂 Additionally, the authors are unaware of my doing this post, so I have no “incentive” to do it other than me just wanting a good read.
Which of These 12 Killer Authors Will I Read First?
Christy Barritt
I first learned about Christy Barritt from, get this, my husband. A friend got me her novella, It Came Upon a Midnight Crime for my birthday one year, and a couple of weeks later, when we met in Michigan, I brought it with me. I begged her to write a teasing inscription to my husband, and she complied with something along the lines of, “For a guy with great taste in authors and wives–too bad they aren’t the same person.” I can’t remember exactly how it went, but I had to tease Kevin, and… well… she was gracious enough to let me. 😀
Christy Barritt is both conventionally and independently published, but if you really want a great mystery series (or so says my husband), you might want to check out her work. I’m most interested in reading her “Squeaky Clean” series.
And hey, she got the most “votes” in my Facebook group. That says a lot, don’t you think? I would have bought one of her books as part of this experiment, but my husband owns them all. Ahem.
Joanie Bruce
I actually reviewed two of Joanie’s books about eighteen months ago. If you’d like to read more about them, check out that review HERE. I recall liking most that I could figure it all out and she STILL kept me guessing about whether I was right or not. I enjoy that in a mystery.
Unfortunately, there’s only one full-length book since those as far as I can see. I’ll be trying that one out ASAP. She did add a novella into a Christmas collection put out by Celebrate Lit, but I really didn’t enjoy it as much. 🙁
Hopefully, this is not the last of the mysteries by Joanie Bruce (and somehow, I suspect it most definitely is not. 🙂
Lyn Cote
She wasn’t one of the authors listed on that site, but she’s in a Facebook group I’m in, and I realized that she publishes independently as well as conventionally! I’ve enjoyed her books in the past, and when I went to look her up…
I found THIS one! Squee!!! Why squee??? Because… get this. It was FREE! WOOHOO! I am so jazzed about this book!
It looks like a wonderful book, and I suspect it’ll be one of my favorites from this list.
Steve Demaree
I had not heard of Steve Demaree, or so I thought. You see, I went over to Amazon to check out what he has to offer, and something happened. When I clicked on the first book in his “Dekker” series, um… yeah. I bought it back last year. *blush*
The first thing I did was click the “Look Inside” and start reading. For those like me, you should know. It’s written in first-erson. I will say, however, that he had me chuckling just with that first page. I suspect I’m gonna let myself get over the first person business… because it’s going to be worth it.
At 3.99, the price isn’t too shabby, either!
Heather Day Gilbert
I wasn’t surprised to see Heather Gilbert listed. Cathe Swanson has been recommending her for a couple of years now. So, I zipped over Cathe’s blog and grabbed the LINK to her review of the audiobook.
Cathe also has a great blog post by Ms. Gilbert about mothers-in-law on her blog. You might want to check THAT out, too.
I’ve had Miranda Warning for some time. And for those looking for a good read, this book is FREE right now on Amazon. Squee!
April Hayman
Well, anyone who knows me very well knows I’m a fan of April Hayman. Her Heirlooms of Deception series is going to sit among my favorites for a long time. I’ve been dying to read her Spilled Ink since she first conceived it. Of course, it’s changed a dozen times since then, so I’m going to have to read it the minute it comes out. Alas, that won’t be until next year now.
She’s written two novellas in the series. Trip the Light Fantastic, and Lead a Merry Dance. Even the book she’s doing for an upcoming collection has turned into a mystery. Squee! I’m so excited about this upcoming book, Words that Bind. And, I suspect we’ll have a lot of mystery elements in her upcoming serial novel, Recovering the Relics of Jezebel Jones. To read my review of Lead a Merry Dance, check it out HERE. https://chautona.com/lead-merry-dance-review/
Cynthia Hickey
I recognized Cynthia Hickey’s name, but I didn’t know anything about her books. Her book, Anything for a Mystery, grabbed my attention, and the .99 price tag didn’t hurt, so I went ahead and snagged it. It is written in the first person, but considering how the first page reads, I think I might be able to stomach it. Hee hee. Not sure why I think this—I’ve got nothing to back it up—but I have a feeling I’ve found a new go-to” mystery author. 🙂
John Michael Hileman
I’d never heard of Mr. Hileman, and looking at his books, I’m not confident he’s my kind of genre.
He seems to be kind of a cross between Steven James, Ted Dekker, and maybe Alton Gansky. I can’t back any of that up… it’s just the feel I get looking at his synopses.
Still, he’s an indie author who some people have recommended, so I thought I’d share for those who like their mystery with a lot of suspense, supernatural stuff, and an extra “kick” to the thriller department.
Sarah Holman
I wasn’t familiar with Sarah Holman, either, but when I saw she was part of the Vintage Jane Austen series, I got excited. She wrote the book Emmaline—a retelling of Austen’s Emma but in 1930s America. I’ve been planning to read all of those, so this’ll be cool.
Her Kate’s Case Files series, beginning with Kate’s Innocence, do look interesting, however. The “Look Inside” of book one left me uncertain how I’ll feel about them. Time, I suppose, will tell. I’d love to know if any of you have read anything by Ms. Holman!
Karin Kaufman
With a title like Death of a Dead Man, Karin Kaufman “had” me before I read a word of the synopsis or in the “Look Inside” portion. The .99 price tag had me clicking to buy before I read further, too. My goal with this whole post was not just to find new authors but support them. So far, only two of these I haven’t purchased from yet!
Alas, this book is yet another first-person perspective, so I am not confident in how much I’ll love it, but I’m not sorry I bought it. I love the premise of a book about a man declared dead after seven years… and then dying. Talk about cool!
Who knows, with all this first-person mystery stuff, maybe I’ll learn to like the first person-ness. 🙂 Let’s face it. Sometimes it IS the best way to tell a story. That’s why I did the Journey of Dreams series.
Debra Marvin
I’ve been seeing these Nosy Parker Series mysteries everywhere in the past couple of weeks! So when I looked her up and saw that Debra Marvin was the author, I knew I’d need to buy the first one. Except that it’s not written by her. Still…
A “Look Inside” gave me a squee!!! Moment! Because you see, it’s not first-person! So I snagged that sucker right away, and then I felt instantly sad. Um… there are only three reviews on this book! AAAK! That’s just not enough.
So, if you have 2.99 to spare, or if you’re a Kindle Unlimited user who loves mysteries, I hope you’ll read and leave her a review. It would bless her, I’m sure. And as a reader, I would have loved to have seen more reviews to get a better picture of if I’d like it!
Then I’ll read book 2 by Debra Marvin! The Case of the Clobbered Cad.
Lorena McCourtney
I’ve seen Ms. McCourtney around for some time, now. I didn’t realize she had Indie books, but it may be that Rogue Ridge Press is her Indie imprint. I’m leaving her here because I recognize the name of one of the people who mentioned her in the Facebook group and she’s usually spot on about these things.
Either way, let’s face it! Lorena McCourtney has a bunch of interesting-looking books. I’m particularly intrigued by the Andi McConnell Mysteries—despite being yet another, first-person perspective. When I “Looked Inside” I found that they were originally published by Thomas Nelson, so it seems like perhaps the author has gotten her rights back and republished. Good for her! I decided I had to support her for that reason if no other!
So, there you have it.
A dozen indie authors for you to try! WOOHOO! If you have favorites among these, please tell me who! I’ve got to start somewhere, right?
Hey, you know what? I’ll even throw a “baker’s dozen” in there. How about this gal?
Chautona Havig
She’s written a couple of mystery series. First, there’s the Hartfield Mysteries—Four books and a novella! Take an eccentric author, add a Mayberry-like hometown, and a few murderous plots, and voila! A mystery series that combines retro elements in a modern setting.
Then there’s The Meddlin’ Madeline Mysteries—not your traditional “whodunnits,” this series shows more the development of a detective’s skills than a traditional “here’s the crime and here’s the solution” format. So, if you’re looking for something a little different, this might just be the set for you, and book three has just been released! Until 3-31-18, you can even get a bonus short story with purchase (they have not been sent yet. Keeping these stories short keeps proving more difficult than I’d like to admit. Ahem.
Oh! I almost forgot.
Definitely reading Debra Marvin’s, The Case of the Clobbered Cad. Just as soon as I read the first book in the series.
I have this theory. As soon as I think ‘I need to stop kidding myself about this writing stuff’, I get blessed out of my mis-matched socks! Thanks so much for including me in this incredible list! I will never catch up on all my stories, but I definitely try not to miss Heather Gilbert and Cynthia Hickey! I have a Loreena McCourtney or two on my kindle that are waiting for me. I do most of my reading via audiobook and I tend toward historical mysteries.
Chautona, I’m HONORED and thrilled to be included in your list, and hope your readers consider one of the Nosy Parker mysteries which will have heroines connected by their ‘girl detective club’ in the 1940s, with their own grown up mysteries to solve! Multiple authors working closely together is always a treat for me!
Absolutely love this idea. It’s going to be awesome. And I might just be starting on that first book tonight. But shh… don’t tell my publicist. She might kill me.
How exciting to see Debra Marvin’s book on your list. As her publisher, I can tell you it’s well deserved! BTW, the Nosy Parkers Mysteries can be read in almost any order, although you definitely want to read The Case of the Clobbered Cad before Deb’s next book, The Case of the Beleaguered Bride. Thanks so much, Chautona!
I’m excited to read it as well! But I’m one of those, “gotta read the first book” kind of gals. I’m so excited to get started!
Love Christy Barritt’s Squeaky Clean series – I have most of them and really enjoyed them all. I am looking into her newest series, Lantern Beach Mysteries. The story line sounds great, just saving up the cash to invest and start reading. Thanks for the list of authors. I especially enjoy the 13th author you listed. Have most of her books too! 🙂
I hear she’s crazy, but she tries. hee hee. I’ve been wanting the Lantern Beach series, too!
Mostly I read mysteries, but not many are Christian ones. I have a bunch of Heartsong Presents cozies in paperback that came out about ten years ago. I do have an Amish mystery series by Vannetta Chapman (two out of three) and Julianna Deering’s historical series. I think they are both with Bethany House. I have some books by Lyn Cote and I think I have a hardcover by Christy Barritt. On my Kindle I have three of her books and four other ones by the authors you mentioned. Haven’t read any of them. They were all free. I will see if there are any more free ones by the other authors.
I love cozy and historical mysteries.
They aren’t Christian, but I really loved the ones by Earlene Fowler. I also liked the first Aunt Dimity one
Christy Barritt’s Squeaky Clean series is great! I love the humor she incorporates. If I remember right they are also in first-person but it’s kind of fun being inside Gabby’s head.
Most people LOVE first person. I am an anomaly. But when it is done so well I don’t really notice, then you know it’s awesome. I can get behind that.
I am also picky when it comes to a first-person narrative. I didn’t used to be years ago. Usually I will pick a third-person narrative book over one that’s in first person, but there are some first-person ones that I love. I think there are too many books in first person. At least most romances are in third person. And don’t even get me started on books written in the present tense (“I walk my dog and he trots down the street”) – can’t stand them and won’t read them! That seems to be more common now. Never used to see books like that.
RIGHT??? You are my hero! I totally agree on the first/present. GAG!!!!!!!!!! It is just… yeah. No. Just… don’t.
Esther has been helping Sarah Holman launch her books. We even got to meet Sarah last year when we went to America; we had a long layover in Houston and she met us at a park where some other friends took us for a picnic between flights. I haven’t read very many of her books, but Esther really likes some of them, while others are more blah (although editing and rewriting has really helped). I think Kate’s Innocence was one Esther liked.
YAY! I hope I do, too! 😀
Winters secret Lyn Cote. I enjoy her books.
I really enjoyed what I read of hers a while back.
My review of The Case of the Clobbered Cad by Debra Marvin:
I received this book from the author and was in no way influenced to provide a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
In this wonderful cozy mystery by Debra E. Marvin, the heroine, Heather Munro has traveled across the pond to study at Edinburgh, Scotland. She barely starts her classes when she is faced with a dead body! She is compelled to solve the crime — Nancy Drew style– with the help of her trusted, but quirky landlady and two young professors from the University, even after being warned off by the local constabulary.
Debra inserts interesting facts about England and Scotland along the way in a manner that is natural.
The main characters faith is subtle but thought provoking in a way that drives their actions.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
There ya go! Another review!
I don’t do Amazon reviews because hubby and I share an account and he doesn’t want his name on any reviews. You might check out Inkwell Inspirations blog run by Debra , Susie Dietze and others. There are reviews on Clobbered Cad and the first book, which I read first. But that didn’t matter. Debra has another one coming out later this year! Happy reading! Paula
WOOOHOO!!! Thanks for sharing! I’m even more excited to read it, now! 😀
I enjoy Lorena McCourtney. Don’t think I’ve read any of the others yet, but the Squeaky Clean Mysteries are on my list. I’d add Debbie Viguie to the list. She’s another who has gone both routes of traditional and indie publishing, I believe. I adore her Psalm 23 Mysteries!
Hey there gal! I’m so pleased to see my Tess Spencer mysteries on your list! I know you’re not crazy about first person POV, so you might like my romantic suspense novellas a bit more (Out of Circulation and Undercut). But I do think once you get into the flow of the writing, you might enjoy Miranda Warning and the other 2 mysteries! 🙂 And Karin Kaufman’s mysteries are excellent. If you want some of hers that are in third person, try the Anna Denning mysteries. They’re heavier topics, like witchcraft and supernatural things, but always from a biblical perspective as Anna takes on the baddies! I also love the Carrie Stuart Parks mysteries (starting with A Cry from the Dust), but they’re not cozies are are more forensic crime mysteries with a great divorced lead sleuth. Hope you find some new series to enjoy! Another series I love (not Christian, but clean) is the Maple Syrup mysteries by Emily James. They’re also indie, so they’re a lot easier on your wallet! Her first-in-series used to be free when you signed up for her newsletter.
Thank you so much, Heather! I don’t need cozies, although I do enjoy them. I now have a huge list to choose from thanks to you! WOOT! I plan to read ’em all!
OOOH! I saw someone mention Psalm 23 mysteries on another thread. I almost went to look, but decided I could end up down a rabbit hole! Squeee!!! I mean, NO! Or something.