Travis Mulhauser Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Anthologies

Travis Mulhauser

Travis Mulhauser is an American author known for writing mysteries, and he comes from Michigan. He has also spent time living in North Carolina, and those familiar landscapes often show up in his books. His work tends to feel grounded in real places like small northern towns or snowy stretches of forest.

One of Mulhauser’s biggest strengths as a writer is how he builds his characters and main protagonists. He gives them small habits, real worries, and a mix of bravery and doubt that makes them easy to root for. Instead of telling a reader what to think about a person, he shows that person making choices, even hard ones. That approach makes his stories feel less like puzzles and more like visiting someone you might actually know.

Another gift Mulhauser has is creating compelling narratives that keep people entertained without trying too hard. His plots move along at a good clip, but they never feel rushed or confusing. There is a natural flow from one scene to the next, and the mystery unfolds bit by bit in a way that feels fair to the reader. Because he avoids fancy language and overdramatic moments, his books stay enjoyable from the first page to the last.

Mulhauser entertains readers around the world by staying true to what he knows and likes. He does not chase trends or try to copy what is popular at the moment. Instead, he writes about places he has lived, people he has watched, and feelings he has seen up close. That honesty comes through on the page, and readers from different countries seem to feel it.

Part of the fun in his books comes from the way he mixes quiet, real life moments with the tension of a mystery. A character might be worrying about a job or a family member one minute and then find a clue the next. That blend keeps the story from feeling fake or overly planned. People enjoy turning the pages because they want to see how an ordinary person handles an extraordinary problem, not because the writer is trying to shock them.

Looking ahead, Travis Mulhauser shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to write new material, and readers can expect more mysteries from him in the coming years. His future work will likely hold the same honest characters, steady plots, and simple but sharp storytelling. For anyone who enjoys his current books, there is good reason to stay tuned.

Early and Personal Life

Travis Mulhauser grew up in the northern part of Michigan, and that setting played a big role in his early years. As a kid, he likely spent time around woods, lakes, and small towns, which can spark a love for stories in a quiet way. Over time, that interest in reading turned into an interest in writing, and he decided to follow that path seriously.

He went to North Central Michigan College first, then to Central Michigan University, and later earned an MFA in Fiction from UNC Greensboro. Those school years gave him room to practice, make mistakes, and learn what worked in a story. Each step helped him grow as a writer and find his own voice without rushing the process.

Today, he lives in Durham, North Carolina, with his wife and their two children. The move from Michigan to North Carolina brought new sights and people into his life, which can help any writer find fresh ideas. He keeps writing and getting better, still pulling from where he has been while staying open to where he is going next.

Writing Career

Travis Mulhauser started his writing career with a collection called Greetings from Cutler County, which came out in 2005. That book included a novella and several short stories, and it helped him find an early audience. From there, he kept working on longer projects and did not rush into publishing his first novel.

His first novel, Sweetgirl, arrived in 2016 through Ecco and Harper Collins. That book earned a spot on the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize list and was named an Indie Next Pick as well as one of Ploughshares Best Books of the New Year. Two more novels arrived later on, The Trouble Up North in 2025 and Fair Chase in 2026, and his career clearly still has plenty of room to grow.

Sweetgirl

Ecco, a publishing house, released Travis Mulhauser’s mystery thriller titled Sweetgirl on November 1, 2016. The book came out in hardcover under the Ecco imprint.

A blizzard is coming as Percy James searches for her mother, Carletta. Percy raised herself while watching her mom fall apart over time. Afraid Carletta is too high on meth to survive the storm, Percy goes to a cabin in northern Michigan owned by a small time criminal named Shelton Potter. There she finds no sign of her mother, only Shelton and his girlfriend passed out and a baby crying alone in a cold room. The baby grips Percy’s finger, and Percy decides to save her. She then gets help from Portis Dale, her mother’s ex, and fights the storm and a group of desperate men who want the baby back.

Anyone who picks up this book will find a tight story that moves fast. The main character feels real and easy to root for right away. Cold woods and a coming storm add good tension without feeling fake. It is a solid choice for anyone who likes a tough young hero and a lot of heart.

Fair Chase

Grand Central Publishing will release Travis Mulhauser’s mystery novel titled Fair Chase on April 28, 2026. The book is set to come out under that same publishing house.

A gray wolf arrives on the Sawbrook family’s land, and the town of Cutler panics. The three Sawbrook siblings clash with locals and the state over what to do. A runaway teen named Delos Harris claims to know the wolf’s location. When a poacher is hired, the family fights to protect each other, their land, and the child tied to the wolf.

Many will enjoy the way this book mixes family drama with a wild animal on the loose. The small town feels real, and the fight between locals and the Sawbrooks keeps things interesting. The runaway teen adds a nice bit of mystery without feeling forced. It is a solid pick for anyone who likes a good, tense story set in the woods.