Paula Darnell Books In Order

Publication Order of A DIY Diva Mystery Books

Publication Order of A Fine Art Mystery Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Paula Darnell

Paula Darnell is an American author known for writing mystery novels. Her books feature well-developed characters who feel real and relatable. The protagonists in her stories often face intriguing challenges that keep readers hooked. Darnell has a talent for making her fictional worlds engaging and easy to picture.

One of her strengths as a writer is crafting stories that balance suspense with lighthearted moments. Her narratives move at a steady pace, blending clues and surprises in a way that feels natural. Readers appreciate how her characters grow and change throughout each book. This makes her mysteries not just puzzling but also enjoyable on a personal level.

Darnell’s ability to create compelling plots ensures her books are hard to put down. She weaves together details in a way that keeps the story fresh and unpredictable. Her writing style is straightforward yet lively, making it accessible to a wide audience. Fans of mystery fiction often find her work both entertaining and satisfying.

Her books have found fans in many places, appealing to mystery lovers across the globe. Her stories stay genuine to her style, never forced or overly complicated. Readers enjoy the way she mixes clever puzzles with everyday moments, making the mysteries feel real. Her work connects with people because it’s both fun and authentic.

She writes in a way that feels personal, as if each story reflects her own love for the genre. The characters she creates have distinct personalities, adding depth without slowing down the plot. Even as her books entertain, they remain grounded in believable scenarios. This balance keeps readers coming back for more.

Darnell’s storytelling stays true to what makes mysteries enjoyable—twists, humor, and relatable characters. She doesn’t rely on gimmicks, just solid writing that holds attention. Whether readers are longtime fans or new to her work, they find something to like. Her ability to stay consistent while keeping things fresh is a big part of her appeal.

Paula Darnell continues to write, with new stories on the way for her readers. Fans can expect more mysteries filled with the same engaging characters and clever plots they enjoy. She keeps her writing fresh while staying true to what makes her books stand out. There’s plenty more to look forward to from this talented author.

Early and Personal Life

Paula Darnell grew up with a love for reading and writing, which eventually led her to study English in college. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and later a Master’s from the University of Nevada, Reno, deepening her understanding of literature and storytelling. Her education helped shape her skills as both a writer and a teacher.

Over the years, she taught at five different colleges, often guiding students through first-year English courses. Beyond composition, she also enjoyed sharing her passion for creative subjects like fashion design and jewelry making. These varied teaching experiences added richness to her own writing journey.

Today, she lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their large dog, Rocky. Her background in education and diverse interests continue to inspire her mystery novels. Readers can see her love for storytelling and attention to detail in every book she writes.

Writing Career

Paula Darnell launched her mystery writing career with the DIY Diva Mystery series in 2019, releasing three quick-succession novels—Death by Association, Death by Design, and Death by Proxy. She followed this with the Fine Art Mystery series, beginning with Artistic License to Kill and Vanished into Plein Air in 2021, blending creative themes with suspenseful storytelling. Her standalone novel, The Six-Week Solution (2020), and a collaborative short story collection, Mysteries, Midsummer Sun and Murders (2022), further showcased her versatility.

Darnell continued expanding the Fine Art Mystery series with Hemlock for the Holidays (2021), Killer Art in the Park (2023), and*Halloween Hue-Dunit (2024), proving her consistent output in the genre. Each book reinforced her ability to craft engaging mysteries with clever twists and relatable characters.

With more stories in the works, her writing career remains active and promising for fans of cozy mysteries.

Artistic License to Kill

Paula Darnell’s Artistic License to Kill was published on January 15, 2021, by Campbell and Rogers Press. It serves as the first installment in her Fine Art Mystery series. This cozy mystery novel marked the beginning of Darnell’s art-themed whodunit collection.

Amanda Trent, an artist accompanied by her golden retriever Laddie and cat Mona Lisa, rebuilds her life after divorce. Following a rough interview at Arizona’s Roadrunner Gallery, she worries about her fresh start but gains hope when accepted into the cooperative. On her first day, she finds the strict director Janice murdered inside the gallery. Now Amanda and fellow artists are suspects, leaving her to wonder—was the killer among them or someone from outside?

Readers will enjoy this charming cozy mystery featuring an endearing artist protagonist and her lovable pets. The art gallery setting adds creative flair while the murder mystery keeps the story engaging. Amanda Trent makes a relatable amateur sleuth as she navigates suspicion and fresh beginnings.

With its lighthearted tone and clever whodunit, this book delivers satisfying entertainment.

Death by Design

Paula Darnell’s Death by Design was published on May 1, 2021, by Cozy Cat Press. This cozy mystery serves as the second installment in her DIY Diva Mystery series. Following the first book, it continues the craft-themed whodunit adventures with the same engaging amateur sleuth.

DIY expert Laurel McMillan celebrates when her student Jennifer wins a design contest with a peacock pillow—until Jennifer’s husband Matt is murdered with it. While Jennifer seems more distressed about losing her pillow than her husband, police surprisingly arrest nurse Edna Elkins instead. Edna pleads innocence and begs Laurel to investigate, leaving the crafty instructor torn between doubt and curiosity. Now Laurel must decide whether to solve this puzzling case or let justice take its course.

Readers will delight in this crafty mystery that blends creativity with suspense, featuring the return of the clever DIY Diva. The unusual murder weapon and puzzling suspect dynamics make for an entertaining whodunit. Laurel’s relatable dilemma—whether to investigate or not—adds engaging tension. With its cozy charm and clever twists, this sequel delivers another satisfying amateur sleuth adventure.