Elizabeth Penney is the Edgar Award-nominated author of the APRON SHOP SERIES and the CAMBRIDGE BOOKSHOP SERIES for St. Martin’s Press. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts.
Elizabeth's writing credits include over thirty mysteries and women’s fiction novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband. Raised in Maine, Elizabeth spent her early years in England and France. Her ancestors were artisans from Barga, in Tuscany.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends. Oh, and trying to grow things in the frozen North.
These mysteries were written for book club series. They are available through Annie's Fiction or Guideposts.
Lifeline, Mysteries of Martha’s Vineyard
At Gerald’s request, Priscilla volunteers to help with a Wild Food Challenge featuring a talented group of young chefs, including his cousin. But one of the chefs is bent on winning—at all costs. At the same time, preparations are ramping up for her daughter’s wedding. Then Rachel’s FBI agent fiance disappears…can Priscilla and Gerald find him before it’s time to say I do?
Storm Tide, Mysteries of Martha's Vineyard
Another entry in this series from Guideposts. Priscilla Latham Grant, and her cousin discover a woman’s skeleton under a tree during a storm. Heiress Bitsy Parker disappeared in the 1930s, thought to have run away. Priscilla digs into the mystery of Bitsy’s death while helping Bitsy’s descendant bring embezzlers in the family firm to justice.
A Port in the Storm, Mysteries of Martha's Vineyard
My first entry in this new series from Guideposts features Priscilla Latham Grant, who inherited a lighthouse on Martha's Vineyard. During a stormy February, Priscilla befriends an elderly neighbor and a young woman seeking her relatives. She helps both with dangerous situations they're facing—and helps them find what they both seek: family and a port in the storm.
The Lily Vanishes, Victorian Flower Shop Mysteries
This series from Annie’s Fiction features a florist living on Orcas Island in Puget Sound. Kaylee Bleu is asked to arrange flowers for a Hitchcock-style thriller being filmed on the island. She is soon embroiled in solving the mysterious deaths of the director’s former wives, while trying to prevent a young actress from meeting the same fate.
Loot of All Evil, Victorian Flower Shop Mysteries
Kaylee Bleu helps a true crime writer undercover the truth about a 1930s bank robbery on the island. At the same time, she tries to keep his ex-wife safe—from her treacherous heart and danger from those seeking the hidden loot.
Page Fright, Secrets of the Castleton Library series
Inspired by A Winter’s Tale, this mystery features a theatrical troupe performing at Castleton. Tangled relationships, family secrets, and murder entwine in this fireside romp during a frigid January.
A Literary Offense, Secrets of the Castleton Library series
A group of writers, an agent, and an editor's widow are among those enjoying Gatsby Week at Castleton Manor. But the fun of fashion shows, an antique car race, and a ball are marred by mysterious—and deadly—events.
A Murder Unscripted, Secrets of the Castleton Library series
Alice in Wonderland was my inspiration for this romp, which features a crew filming the classic. Peacocks, a hedgehog, and a runaway pig named Lulu make an appearance, as does murder and mayhem, of course.
From a reader: “A Murder Unscripted” was absolutely sensational."
Second Edition Death, Secrets of the Castleton Library series
Inspired by Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca, this book is one of my favorites. Mysterious happenings for second wife Ava Winterbourne at the gorgeous mansion, Wintersea.
A Novel Murder, first in the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library series
This fun new series is set at a book retreat in Cape Cod, in the splendid French Renaissance mansion, Castleton Manor. Faith Newbury has been hired to be the retreat librarian and she and her cat Watson move into the gardener's cottage. Then she learns her predecessor disappeared.
A Slippery Slope, Antique Shop Mysteries
When Maggie stumbles over a body at the recently reopened vintage ski area, Sea and Ski, she and her friends are thrust into another mystery.
Rigged for Murder, Antique Shop Mysteries
Schooner days bring romance for quilt shop owner Fran Vosburg—until her new beau becomes a suspect in a murder.
Danger in Spades, Antique Shop Mysteries
Maggie and the historical society plan a gala to honor a Somerset Harbor World War II veteran. Along the way they solve mysteries past and present, including the visit of a German spy to the Maine Coast and the disappearance of a husband and father two decades before.
Deadly Prospect, Antique Shop Mysteries
I loved writing this book, which is set on an island off Maine. Maggie and her friends have the task of cleaning out an old summer cottage while finding missing art and discovering what really happened to an artist who disappeared in the 1920s. My cat Noah made an appearance--and the cover.
Six Feet Undertow, Antique Shop Mysteries
This second outing of mine in this series features a treasure-hunting reality show coming to Somerset Harbor. The ship they want to raise? It belonged to Maggie's ancestor, Thomas Sedgwick, accused of being a spy during the Civil War. Can Maggie find proof to exonerate him and validate his wife Abigail's undying love? And can she find out who killed the reality show host.
Pieces From the Past , Antique Shop Mysteries
First I've written in the Antique Shop Mysteries. In Pieces from the Past, antique shop owner Maggie Watson finds a box of quilt squares related to the disappearance of an heiress in 1898. Set in Somerset Harbor, Maine.
Humble Pies and White Lies and Homespun Homicide, Amish Inn Mysteries
These are two entries in a series for Annie's Fiction set in Pleasant Creek, Indiana. The first features a pumpkin pie contest—one entry is poisoned—and the other, the mysterious death of a man on the run from his criminal past.
A Lethal Journey, Secrets of the Quilt Series
The last in the Secrets of the Quilt series, A Lethal Journey is set on the Titanic. Screenwriter Aria Greco finds herself on the ill-fated boat while traveling with her actress friend, Daisy. A millionaire courting Daisy is murdered. Then the boat hits an iceberg...
Mist on the Moors, Secrets of the Quilt Series
Book 8's diary entry details the 1850 exploits of Beatrice Alice Kimble, who travels to Yorkshire to value an art collection. She encounters smugglers and a handsome but mysterious lord, the owner of Blackwell Castle. In present day Vermont, Sofia solves the mysterious disappearance of her best friend's irresponsible but charming brother.
Highland Treachery, Secrets of the Quilt series
Book 4 in the Secrets of the Quilt series is set in 1745 Scotland and present day Vermont. Sofia and family travel to a Highland Games to learn more about her Scottish ancestor, herbalist Isabelle Caroline Ripa, who lives in Edinburgh during the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Castle of Whispers, Secrets of the Quilt series
Castle of Whispers is set in 1503 Florence and present day Vermont. After Sofia Parker inherits a quilt from her grandmother, she investigates the story behind each swatch. The first piece is rumored to have been cut from the Mona Lisa's dress.
Reader praise for Castle of Whispers:
" I loved your descriptions of Italy. You absolutely brought it to life. Beautiful work."
"What a wonderful book. I liked the characters as well as the interesting mystery. If you like cozy mysteries, you will enjoy reading Castle of Whispers."
"This book is absolutely incredible! I fell in love with all of the recurring characters. The book is well written, characters are introduced fabulously and flows nicely! I could hardly bear to put it down."
A Model Mystery, Mysteries Unraveled
A Model Mystery, in the Unraveled series, is set in Texas and features a mystery at a yoga retreat and organic farm.
Stab Stitched, Annie's Quilted Mysteries
Stab Stitched, Book 11 in the Quilted Mystery series, is set in Lantern Cove, MA, and features pirates, hidden treasure, and murder.
A Deadly Pattern, Annie's Quilted Mysteries
Deadly Pattern, set in Sedona, Arizona, and featuring Native American pottery, will be released on 8/29/14. This is the 7th book in the Annie's Quilted Mystery series. Emma Cotton and Kelly Grace, owners of a quilt restoration business in Mystic Harbor, MA, are the main characters. Available from Annie's Publishing book club. These books are fun to read...and write!
Deadly Garland, Creative Woman Series
Deadly Garland, featuring an Oregon tree farm, will be published on 2/7/14. This is the last book in the Creative Woman series and is set at Christmas time. Shannon McClain, Scottish owner of a craft market, is the main character. Available from Annie's Publishing book club. Published under pen name.
From Annie’s Fiction….
THE INN AT MAGNOLIA HARBOR SERIES
Nestled on the shores of Lake Haven, the inn is a place of sanctuary, healing, and a little bit of magic.
SAFE HARBOR - A woman seeking her birth mother after a closed adoption, a newly retired couple trying to rekindle the spark in their marriage, and a young doctor hoping to make amends with the woman he loves meet at the inn.
TENDER MELODY - Daria Hargreaves has a secret—but when she arrives at Magnolia Harbor Inn, everything starts to unravel for the young singer. Can Daria break free from her past? And can another guest, an exhausted and ill aid worker, heal and start anew?
KINDRED BLESSINGS - The conditions of a wealthy philanthropist’s will require her three grandchildren to stay at the Inn and follow her directives. Grace and Charlotte watch, bemused, as their guests struggle to comply. A career woman takes up pottery. A fashionista works on a farm. And a selfish young architect learns what service means.
JOYFUL BEGINNINGS - Cancer survivor April Fredericks is hoping a New Year’s retreat at Magnoiia Harbor Inn will help her rebuild her life. Along with three other women, April embarks on a journey of sefl-discovery flavored with new friendships—and the possibility of love.
Photo by Dsdugan
Readers or inquiries regarding availability of rights, please get in touch at elizabethpenneyauthor@gmail.com
Photo by: Mr. Moment
