Elaine Viets

Elaine Viets is an American mystery author best known for writing multiple cozy mystery series, including the Dead-End Job Mysteries and the Mystery Shopper series. She began her career as a newspaper columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch before transitioning to writing fiction in the late 1990s. Her Dead-End Job Mystery series features protagonist Helen Hawthorne, who works a series of low-wage jobs while solving crimes. This series, which includes titles like Shop Till You Drop and Murder Between the Covers, draws from Viets' own experiences working various minimum-wage positions as research for her books. The Mystery Shopper series stars Josie Marcus, a single mom who works as a mystery shopper in St. Louis while investigating murders. Viets has also written the Francesca Vierling series about a newspaper columnist, and the Angela Richman, Death Investigator series which takes a darker tone than her cozy mysteries. Viets has received multiple awards for her work, including an Agatha Award and an Anthony Award. Her novels frequently incorporate social commentary about working conditions and class issues while maintaining the lighter tone expected of cozy mysteries.

Readers appreciate Viets' authentic portrayal of low-wage jobs and workplace dynamics in her Dead-End Job mysteries. Amazon reviewers frequently mention her humor and ability to balance light comedy with murder mysteries. One reader noted: "She captures the absurdity of retail work perfectly while keeping the mystery engaging." Readers liked: - Realistic details about various jobs and workplaces - Strong female protagonists who solve crimes - Local St. Louis settings and references - Mix of humor with mystery elements - Fast-paced plots Common criticisms: - Some found the later series entries repetitive - A few readers felt the social commentary overshadowed the mysteries - Occasional complaints about predictable plots Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: Dead-End Job series averages 3.8/5 stars - Amazon: Most books rate 4.2-4.5/5 stars - Barnes & Noble: Average 4/5 stars Several readers specifically praised her Angela Richman series for taking a darker, more serious tone while maintaining compelling characters.

Dead-End Job Mystery Series: Shop till You Drop - Helen Hawthorne takes a job at a clothing store while hiding from her ex-husband and investigates the death of a fellow employee.

Murder Between the Covers - Working at a bookstore, Helen must solve the murder of a customer found dead in the self-help section.

Dying to Call You - Helen works as a telemarketer while investigating the suspicious death of a coworker.

Just Murdered - While working at an upscale bridal salon, Helen investigates the murder of a mother-of-the-bride.

Murder Unleashed - Helen takes a job at a high-end pet store and becomes involved in solving the murder of a dog show judge.

Murder with Reservations - Working as a hotel maid, Helen investigates when a corpse is found in the Dumpster.

Clubbed to Death - Helen works at a country club where she must solve the murder of a young woman found floating in the pool.

Final Sail - Helen investigates murder aboard a yacht while working as a steward.

Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper Series: Dying in Style - Mystery shopper Josie Marcus investigates the murder of a boutique owner.

High Heels Are Murder - Josie goes undercover at a shoe store to investigate the death of a clerk.

Accessory to Murder - Josie must solve the murder of a handbag store employee while mystery shopping.

Angela Richman Death Investigator Series: Brain Storm - Death investigator Angela Richman works to prove a doctor's guilt while recovering from her own medical crisis.

Fire and Ashes - Angela investigates an arson case that leads to murder in an wealthy community.

Ice Blonde - Angela must solve the murder of a woman found frozen in the snow.

Standalone Novels: Backstab - A St. Louis TV journalist investigates corruption at her own station.

The Pink Flamingo Murders - A reporter investigates mysterious deaths in a Florida mobile home park.

Doc in the Box - A medical reporter investigates suspicious deaths at a hospital.

Janet Evanovich writes mystery series featuring female protagonists who solve crimes while navigating romantic relationships and family dynamics. Her Stephanie Plum series combines crime-solving with humor and takes place in New Jersey.

Nancy Martin creates mystery novels centered on three sisters who investigate murders in Philadelphia's high society. Her Blackbird Sisters series includes fashion references and family relationships similar to Viets' work.

Sarah Strohmeyer writes about amateur sleuths working in everyday professions who become involved in murder investigations. Her Bubbles Yablonsky series follows a hairdresser-turned-reporter solving crimes in a small Pennsylvania town.

Laura Levine develops mysteries featuring a freelance writer who solves crimes while dealing with career challenges and personal relationships. Her Jaine Austen series incorporates humor and workplace elements into the murder investigations.

Mary Kay Andrews produces novels about women in the South who encounter mysteries while managing careers and personal lives. Her work combines elements of crime-solving with workplace drama and regional culture.