Lea Wait Books In Order

Publication Order of Antique Print Mysteries Books

Publication Order of Seaward Born Books

Chronological Order of Seaward Born Books

Publication Order of Mainely Needlepoint Mysteries Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Maine Murder Mysteries Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Lea Wait was an antique’s print dealer and a writer who delved in children’s fiction and mystery genres. Most of her novels were set in 19th century Maine. She was also a knowledgeable historian who actively participated in the school, campus and library lecture circuit. She maintains and comments an active blog with other Maine Mystery writers and novelists. She is an extrovert whose hobbies include visiting well known historical sites and fun activities like rowing boats.

She was born in New Jersey in May 26, 1946, during the Second World War, into a family where reading was the order of the day. Chatham College formed the undergraduate foundation of her illustrious career. She later scaled the academic ladder at New York University where she successfully completed her graduate work. Her foray into the corporate world was marked by her managerial position at AT&T.

She passed on May 26th, 1946.

The decision to start an antique print business when she turned 30 was largely based on influence from her grandmother who in the past had engaged in a similar business. It is at this milestone in Lea Waits’ life that the writer’s bug caught up with her.

She has several highly noted works which include “The Antique Print Mystery” series, “Mainely Needlepoint Mystery” series for adult readers and a number of children’s books. Her children’s books are highly acclaimed and purposely target a young audience of 7 to 8 years and above. IN 2007, this talented writer in collaboration with Leslie Bolton published a non-fictional book aptly titled “The Only Writing Series You’ll Ever Need: Writing Children’s Books”. The non-fictional project was the culmination of her success in writing children’s books.
She abandoned the shackles of the corporate world 22 years later and relocated to Edgecomb, Maine. . She currently divides her time between her core business of dealing in antique prints and writing.

She started out as a single parent and later adopted four beautiful daughters from Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Korea. In 2003, she went down the wedding isle and got married to Bob Thomas, an artist who proudly supports her with friendly writing tips and book analysis.

Her critically acclaimed novels have received several accolades and multiple awards. Her 2004 children’s book “Wintering Well” was nominated and named as one of the “Best Children’s Books Of 2004” by The Children’s Book Committee which is based at the Bank street College of Education. It was her third published children’s book. Her second book in the Antiques Print Mystery line “Shadows on the Coast of Maine” released in 2003 was part of mystery book collections picked by the Mystery Guild Editors selection.

“Shadows at the Fair” is a murder mystery novel in the Antique Print Mystery Series by Lea Wait. The book received an Agatha award nomination for “Best First Novel” in 2003. The book is set at the Rensselaer County Spring Antiques fair. The main character is Maggie Summer, the previously naïve proprietor of Shadows Antiques. The fair is plagued by a number of unsettling deaths among antique dealers. Maggie’s arrival at the fair coincides with the mysterious death of Mr. John Smithson, who succumbs to the lethal effects of poison.

In spite of enhanced security at the fair, talk of murder and suspicion is rife. Tension at the antiques fair is thick and anxiety levels are quite elevated. This untoward turn of events captures Maggie Summers attention and she becomes suspicious of anyone and everyone around her.

As Maggie fervently tries to sell items from her large antique prints stock, her mind is constantly plagued by many questions. She is worried about her dear friend Gussie White and her affable nephew, Ben and whether they will succumb to the evil whims of a yet to be discovered cold blooded killer. The answer could be right under Maggie’s nose in the hundreds of prints at her booth in the Rensselaer fair. The mystery plot thickens as Maggie tries to solve the murder mystery.

The book takes the reader on a spellbinding journey while revealing the intricate ropes of the antique prints trade and maintaining great entertainment value.

Lea Wait wrote her first children’s book “Stopping at Home” in the year 2001. The Smithsonian library named the book a Notable Book for Children in the same year. The book is set in Wiscasset, a small seaport community in The District of Maine in the 19th century in the year 1806. It centers around two siblings, 11 year old Abbie Chambers and a younger 4 year old brother, Seth. The book tugs at the reader’s heartstrings as they lose their mother to an encroaching small pox epidemic. Their father, a sailor by profession is lost at sea. At her tender age, Abbie, propelled by clearly desperate circumstances, is under the employ of the young wife of an ailing captain. To add insult to injury, Captain Chase passes on leaving behind a vulnerable wife who is in the family way. Abbie and Seth Chambers find themselves in between a rock and a hard place. They are faced with the uphill task of foraging for themselves and at the same time finding a new home while grappling with an otherwise hostile situation in the nineteenth century Maine seaport. This heart wrenching situation results in a symbiotic scenario whereby Widow Chase and the vulnerable siblings are co-dependent on each other.

The novel is an informative emotion provoking young adult work of fiction set in American history. It is colorful and provides detailed insight into day to day life in nineteenth century Maine. The book is sad and will definitely pull at even the most insensitive heartstrings. It is a well written novel that is rich in history and will surely engage any young mind.

Lea Wait has written many children’s fiction books and adult mystery novels in the Shadows Antique Mystery Series. Generally her works have great story-lines that would form the basis of a great silver screen series or an engaging Hollywood production. Despite this, no attempts have been made to translate any of her finished works to feature films or documentary scripts. Regardless of this disheartening oversight, Lea Wait is definitely an excellent writer who excels not only in good storytelling and communication skills but also keeps her readers enthralled. Her novels will definitely transcend the test of time.

One Response to “Lea Wait”

1. Mary: 4 months ago

   Lea Wait passed away in 2019. RIP, thank you for all the hours of reading pleasure you gave to your readers.

   Reply