Author Spotlight: Amanda Flower

Bestselling, Award-winning Author of 50+ Mysteries

Amanda Flower is the author of the Piper and Porter Mystery Series and many other mystery books. Proceeds from the new editions of Amanda’s Piper and Porter Mysteries are also being used for cat rescue. See a Cozy Crime Reads Guide to the Piper and Porter Mysteries. Photo credit: Amanda Flower

Amanda Flower is a USA Today Bestselling author whose books have won and been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious mystery awards. She has written over 50 mysteries and currently writes mystery books for multiple series and multiple publishers.

Her mystery series include:

• Emily Dickinson Mystery Series (historical mysteries)

• Katharine Wright Mystery Series (historical mysteries)

• Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series (Amish cozy mysteries)

• Amish Matchmaker Mystery Series (Amish cozy mysteries)

• Amish Quilt Shop Mystery Series (Amish cozy mysteries)

• Appleseed Creek Mystery Series (Amish cozy mysteries)

• Magical Bookshop Mystery Series (magical cozy mysteries)

• Magical Garden Mystery Series (magical cozy mysteries)

• Piper and Porter Mystery Series (private detective cozy mysteries)

• Farm to Table Mystery Series (contemporary cozy mysteries)

• Living History Mystery Series (contemporary cozy mysteries)

• India Hayes Mystery Series (contemporary cozy mysteries)

• Andi Boggs Series (children’s mysteries)

Amanda has also contributed to anthologies, including the Amish Christmas at North Star and Hotel California.

Interview with Amanda Flower

What attracted you to the cozy mystery genre?

I've always been a mystery reader and read across the genre, but my favorite books have always been cozies. When it was time to pick my own genre to write, I never really considered anything else.

What essential elements make a cozy stand out to you as a reader?

I think the big things are the death takes place off-page, the main character is an amateur sleuth, and the culprit is caught in the end.

Do you have a favorite amateur sleuth?

Amelia Peabody from the Elizabeth Peters novels is definitely a favorite.

What inspired you to write your first cozy mystery?

I always wanted to be a writer. I knew I would always one day write a novel, and in college, I just started and never looked back.

Amanda Flower writes several Amish mystery series, including the popular fan favorite Amish Candy Shop Mysteries

How do you research and create the “cozy” elements in your books, like the settings and community?

I do lots of research. For my Amish mysteries, I often visit Amish Country, which is only an hour from where I live. And for my historicals it's a lot of academic research through libraries and archives. For me, it's not only important to do the historical research, but I need to go to the places my characters are or were. I've been to all the settings of my novels from Scotland to Amish Country to Amherst, Masschesetts and on and on.

What is one key step in your writing process that helps you transform an idea into a finished book?

It's finding the character's voice. When I know the main character and how she will react in certain situations, it's so much more fun to write. Sometimes that can take a little while, so it can lead to a lot of rewriting until I get it just right.

What advice would you give aspiring cozy mystery authors who want to start writing their first novel?

I would first and foremost tell them to keep at it. Publishing is a hard business to break into. I think it's much harder now than when I started over fifteen years ago. However, you will get there. Just don't give up on your dream.

Amanda Flower also writes historical mysteries, including the Emily Dickinson Mysteries and Katharine Wright Mysteries.

More From Amanda Flower

You can learn more about Amanda Flower on AmandaFlower.com, where she shares info about her books, upcoming events, and more. You can follow Amanda on Facebook. The Cats of Amanda Flower also have their own Instagram page. It is fun to follow them and see their hijinks.

You can also find cozy extras in Amanda Flower’s Sweet Cozy Designs Etsy Shop where she sells custom bookmarks, jewelry, ornaments, and other handmade products. An annual Cats of Amanda Flower Calendar can also be purchased through her Zazzle shop. The cat photos were taken by her husband, David. Proceeds from the calendar and the Etsy shop are used to support their cat rescue efforts.

Recipe From Amanda Flower

Amanda Flower includes yummy recipes at the end of her culinary cozy mysteries (like the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries). She recently shared a pumpkin-spiced zucchini muffin recipe for the Recipes From Mystery Writer Series on Cozy Crime Reads. It makes a great treat, especially in summer and fall!

Amanda Flower Mystery Bookshelf

See Amanda’s books in the following image gallery. Use the arrows on either side of the image to see the next book cover in the gallery.