I first discovered Heather via her Alvarez Family series. Not your ordinary family, they are collectively a private detective agency. Lee, the main protagonist has a penchant for getting into trouble and finding very creative ways to get out again and solve the crime. I believe I've read all of Heather's books including the Alvarez family and Persephone Cole--another unusual private detective.
Heather, in the midst of her fourteenth novel, is also a writer of short stories, comedy acts, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and plays. She has won numerous awards for her Silicon Valley based Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries; Manhattan based WWII Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries; Ringling Brothers' Circus mystery noir, Death of a Clown; and Corliss and Other Award-Winning Stories. She and her husband of thirty-four years are allowed to live with their two cats, Ellie and Yulie, in the foothills of San Jose, California.
—Marva Dasef
Heather is a storyteller by nature and loves the written word. In her career, she's written short stories, novels, comedy acts, plays, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and even ghost-wrote a book on how to be a successful temp. She was unemployed at the time.
Heather is the author of the award-winning Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries and Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries. Her proudest achievement so far is Death of a Clown, a stand-alone noir mystery about Ringling Brothers Circus based on her mother's memories. Debuting soon is the first book of a new series, The Snow Lake Romantic Suspense Novels called Christmas Trifle.
You can find Heather online at Heather Haven Stories
Love Can Be Murder Mystery Series
Honeymoons Can Be Murder, A Novella (Love Can Be Murder Mysteries Book 1). Mar 1, 2017
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When PI Lee Alvarez goes on her honeymoon with bridegroom, Gurn Hanson, they find a dead woman practically on their doorstep. Kauai breezes may be soft, but there are gale force winds of accusation against Gurn. Will Lee find the real killer before her new hubby gets sent to a Hawaiian hoosegow?
Marriage Can Be Murder: A Mystery Novella (Love Can Be Murder Mystery Novellas Book 2). Mar 17, 2019
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Someone is trying to kill Delores De La Vega, an aging but legendary movie star known as much for her looks and numerous marriages as her acting ability. Now an animal activist and fabulously wealthy, she's about to change her will in favor of the daughter she gave up at birth for adoption, making a claim on her biological mother's billions.
With a woman as dramatic as Delores De La Vega, it's all or nothing, so she's planning to write out everyone else previously in the will. But can she live long enough to make the changes? And just who is trying to kill her? Is it one or all of her many -exes set to be cut out of millions? Or the onsite vet who might be more than a friend? Or is it one of the dozens of staff members, also being rejected in favor of the newly discovered daughter? Lee and Gurn, the Nick and Nora Charles of Silicon Valley, find no lack of suspects when death stalks a Portola Valley animal sanctuary.
The Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Seris Buy the Series $8.97
The Dagger Before Me (The Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries Book 1). Apr 4, 2013
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In 1942, no one had heard of a female shamus - not even in New York City -- until now. Meet Percy Cole, a newly inaugurated private investigator with a penchant for Marlene Dietrich suits, pistachio nuts, and men's fedoras. Halloween finds her backstage, during the previews of the latest Broadway production of Shakespeare's Macbeth, where there's double, double, toil and trouble. When an actor falls from the overhead catwalk and breaks his neck, it's only the latest in a series of catastrophes fueling the lore and superstition surrounding Macbeth and its supernatural power since the play's creation in 1606.
In desperation, the producer hires the lady dick to save the show from closing. Armed only with her noodle and a WWI German Mauser pistol, Percy is not sure which is worse, having someone try to kill her or being foisted into the role of Witch Number Two. Is the centuries-old curse coming true or is a killer out to strike terror into the cast and crew of the Scottish play? Percy intends to strike back before anyone else dies.
Iced Diamonds (The Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries Book 2). Apr 4, 2013
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In late December, 1942, Persephone (Percy) Cole, one of Manhattan's first female PIs, has been hired to find out who killed a Santa Land elf and left the body in the storefront window of a swank 5th Avenue jewelry store. Was it the spoiled heiress whose big buck handbag was found on the scene? Or was it the rat who broke out of the big house to settle a score? Shortly after, the corpse of the Christmas Angel is discovered stuffed in Mrs. Santa's workshop. Will Santa Claus be next? With a penchant for Marlene Dietrich suits, pistachio nuts and fedora hats, this working mother finds diamonds to the left of her, diamonds to the right, and skullduggery aplenty. Armed with her noodle and a WW I German Mauser, Percy is determined to solve these crimes or it just might be the 'kiss off' for Christmas.
The Chocolate Kiss-Off (The Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries Book 3). Sep 1, 2015
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Valentine's Day is around the corner and vats of delicious chocolate are being cooked up to win fair lady's heart. But at Carlotta's Chocolates, Carlotta is found cooking in her own vat of chocolate, and not so deliciously. Arrested for her murder is chocolatier Howie Goldberg, good friend to Persephone 'Percy' Cole. As one of Manhattan's first female private detectives, Percy is determined to hunt down the real killer. But the sleuth, herself, is being stalked by the murderer, who not only keeps a diary of the latest kills, but records who is next. Percy Cole tops the list. When the lady shamus finds the elusive killer, will Death be her Valentine?
Fall Guy: A Persephone Cole Vintage Short Story. Nov 11, 2015
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It's 1942 and newly inaugurated PI, Persephone 'Percy' Cole, is out to clear a young fly boy accused of killing three recent Army inductees in this short story.
Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries (6 Book Series) Buy the Series $20.94
Murder is a Family Business (The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries Book 1). Dec 17, 2013
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Just because a man cheats on his wife and makes Danny DeVito look tall, dark and handsome, is that any reason to kill him? The reluctant and quirky PI, Lee Alvarez, doesn't think so. The 34-year old, half Latina, half WASP and one-hundred percent detective has her work cut out for her when the man is murdered on her watch. Of all the nerve. From San Francisco's famous Embarcadero to quaint Princeton-by-the-Sea, Lee, with a little help form the rest of the family, is out to find a killer before he finds her.
Murder is a Family Business is the first in a series of humorous mysteries revolving around Lee Alvarez, a combination of Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone and Janet Evanovitch' Stephanie Plum, and the rest of Alvarez Family, owners of Silicon Valley's Discretionary Inquiries. Completing the family is Lee's "Never-Had-A-Bad-Hair-Day" aristocratic mother, Lila; computer genius brother, Richard; beloved uncle "Tio;" and her energetic orange and white kitten, Tugger. When this group is not solving murders, they run Discretionary Inquiries, a successful Silicon Valley agency that normally deals with the theft of computer software. Seemingly light and frothy on the surface, the novel explores familial love: the good, the bad and the annoying.
After studying drama at the University of Miami in Florida, Heather went to Manhattan to pursue a career. There she wrote short stories, novels, comedy acts, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and two one-act plays, which were produced at several places, including Playwrights Horizon. Once, she even ghostwrote a book on how to run an employment agency. She was unemployed at the time.
One of her first paying jobs was writing a love story for a book published by Bantam called Moments of Love. She had a deadline of one week but promptly came down with the flu. Heather wrote "The Sands of Time" with a raging temperature, and delivered some pretty hot stuff because of it. Her stint at New York City's No Soap Radio - where she wrote comedic ad copy — helped develop her long-time love affair with comedy.
Her first novel of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, Murder is a Family Business, won the Single Titles Reviewers' Choice Award 2011, and the second, A Wedding to Die For, received the 2012 finalist nods from both Global and EPIC for Best eBook Mystery of the Year. The third of the series, Death Runs in the Family, has already received rave reviews.
Stand-alone noir mystery, Death of a Clown, is steeped in Heather's family history. She is the daughter of real-life Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus folk. Her mother was a trapeze artist/performer and father, an elephant trainer. Heather brings the daily existence of the Big Top to life during World War II, embellished by her own murderous imagination.
Death of a Clown is published by The Wives of Bath Press, March 1, 2013
A Wedding to Die For (The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries Book 2). Jul 3, 2013
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Global and EPIC Best eBook Mystery of the Year Finalist 2012.
A groom arrested for murder can put a crimp in any bride's wedding, no matter who designed the wedding dress. So when the nuptials of Lee's best friend is threatened by the arrest of the groom for murder, thirty-four-year-old maid of honor, Lee Alvarez - half Latina, half-WASP, and 100% detective - heads south of the border in search of the real killer. While in the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel De Allende, she discovers the well-organized underworld of plundered Mesoamerican relics. She also stumbles across the man of her dreams. Is he too good to be true? Probably. When her mother and best friend are kidnapped, does he get in her way and almost gum up the works? Absolutely. But, oh, that square jaw. With the help of the Alvarez Family and Tugger, her white and orange cat, Lee tries to follow her own sage advice. "When Cupid's wings start flapping, take cover.' Ole!
A Wedding To Die For is the second novel in the multi-award-winning humorous murder mysteries involving the Alvarez Family, owners of Silicon Valley's successful Discretionary Inquiries.
Death Runs in the Family (The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries Book 3). Apr 22, 2014
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Winner of the Global Best Mystery Fiction 2013.
Lee Alvarez' ex-husband, Nick -- a man she divorced with joy in her heart and a gun in her hand — sprints back in her life only to disappear again. She'd love to leave it at that, but could he be responsible for the recent death of her cousin, who keeled over at the finish line of a half-marathon in front of hundreds of spectators? As PI for the family run business, Discretionary Inquiries, Lee follows the clues to Vegas, where she joins forces with Shoshone PI, Flint Tall Trees. Together they uncover a multi-million dollar betting syndicate, a tacky lounge lizard act, and a list of past but very dead runners, plus future ones to off. At the top of the 'future' list is the love of her life, Gurn Hanson. Hoping to force the culprits out in the open, Gurn and Lee's brother, Richard, vow to run San Francisco's famous Palace to Palace 12K in only a few days. Can Lee keep the two men she loves from hitting the finish line like her cousin? With more at stake than she ever dreamed possible, Lee is in a battle against time to stop the Alvarez Family's race with death.
DEAD....If Only (The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries Book 4). Oct 13, 2014
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A man who should be dead isn't and Lee Alvarez's very pregnant sister-in-law, Vicki, is about to be charged with a murder he recently committed in the Big Easy. Aided by the rest of the Alvarez Family, Palo Alto's favorite P.I. kicks the Voodoo in the Who Do throughout New Orleans. With only three days to clear Vicki's name, a child is kidnapped, two more people wind up dead, a hurricane hits, and the clock never stops ticking....
The CEO Came DOA (The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries Book 5). Sep 1, 2016
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Global Gold Medal, Best Mystery Fiction 2017
Dan Poynter Legacy Award, Best Fiction 2017
LEFTY Finalist for Best Humorous Mystery 2017
Someone is trying to sabotage the Initial Public Offering of 'Read-Out', a small Silicon Valley start-up, and Lee Alvarez has been hired to find the culprit. Meanwhile, the first Alvarez grandchild is about to be born while Lee is planning her very own Christmas wedding; or rather letting her mother plan it. When Lee finds the CEO hanging by the neck in his boardroom wearing nothing but baby blue boxer shorts, she has to ask herself, was it suicide? Or was it murder? If so, was the saboteur responsible, one of his business partners, or even his famous rock star ex-wife? There are too many suspects and the bodies start piling up just in time for Christmas. Ho, ho, ho
The CEO Came DOA is the fifth novel in the multi-award winning humorous murder mysteries involving the Alvarez Family, owners of Silicon Valley's successful Discretionary Inquiries.
The Culinary Art of Murder (The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries Book 6), Nov 27, 2017
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Lee's Uncle 'Tío' is smitten with a visiting chef at a Silicon Valley culinary arts institute. When the lady is arrested for two murders, a fellow chef and the dishwasher, Lee Alvarez, lead investigator for Discretionary Inquiries, Inc., the family owned detective agency, agrees to help find the real killer. But undercover work at the institute proves to be more difficult than whipping up a chocolate soufflé. The killer tries to get Lee out of the way and permanently. But just who is it? The lady chef? One of her two sons? Or one of the other inmates from a cooking school with secrets as plentiful as sauces? Can Lee find the real killer before her own goose is cooked? And if it turns out to be the ambitious southern belle chef, will Tío ever forgive Lee for sending his new lady love to jail?
More Books by Heather Haven
Death of a Clown, Apr 4, 2013
$3.99
(Available in eBook & print)
Winner of the IPPY Silver for Best Mystery/Thriller 2014
Up and coming circus performer, Jeri Deane, finds a young clown strangled inside a beloved lion's cage. The town sheriff's threat to close down the Big Top won't stop her from finding his killer. Beneath the spangles and sawdust of the canvas sky, Jeri uncovers deceit, treachery, and secrets more dangerous than any death-defying trick in the circus. Even she has much to hide. If the Big top survives the season, will she be able to face her own hidden past?
Heather Haven is the daughter of real-life Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus folk. Her mother was a trapeze artist/performer and father, an elephant trainer. Heather brings the daily existence of the Big Top to life during World War II, embellished by her own murderous imagination.
Corliss and Other Award Winning Stories, May 7, 2015
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(Available in eBook & print)
I've always liked short stories, short shorts, and flash fiction. The investment of time is on the briefer side, and often just as rewarding as a novel. I've penned a few, myself, and selected my personal favorites, including a couple of flashes. All the selections involve murder, suspense, surprise or chicanery.
Some stories have pretty unlikely heroes, such as an English bulldog named Jemma. Some learn and grow, some go to jail, some die, some profit from other people's villainy. The common thread is their humanness, even the dog's.
I hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I enjoyed writing them.