19 Criminals, Maizie Albright Star Detective 8 Earns Double Nomination Recognition as a Mystery Romance Novel

A Little News That Has Me Dancing Around My Kitchen...

I'm sitting here with my coffee (okay, it's my third cup – don't judge), trying to find the right words to share some news that has me practically bouncing off the walls. You know that feeling when something wonderful happens and you want to call everyone you know? That's exactly where I am right now.

I keep having to pinch myself because I honestly can't believe I get to write these words: my most recent Maizie Albright Star Detective novel, 19 CRIMINALS, was nominated not only for 2025 Georgia Author of the Year, Best Romance, but also selected as a judge's pick for the 2025 Silver Falchion, Best Cozy Mystery.

What's really got me grooving is the recognition of both mystery and romance for the novel!

Cue a happy Snoopy dance!

The thing is, writing can be such a solitary journey. Since Covid, it's a journey done very early in the morning before my day job begins, and sometimes it's a struggle to write. I often question myself and the effort. To have these wonderful organizations recognize 19 CRIMINALS feels like the most incredible validation.

But here's what makes this even more special—none of this would mean anything without you, my amazing readers. You're the ones who've embraced Maizie's chaotic adventures, who've laughed at her mishaps, and who've stuck with her through nine books of mayhem and mystery-solving. You've shared the books with friends, left reviews that make my heart sing, and sent messages that keep me going on those tough writing days.

So while I'm absolutely thrilled about these nominations, what I'm most grateful for is this incredible community we've built together. Thank you for making this wild ride possible!

And yes, I am still writing 21 GUNS. Maizie's friends have some very strong opinions about their involvement in her case and won't let me put down the pen (or keyboard).

19 CRIMINALS, A Romantic Comedy Mystery (Maizie Albright Star Detective book 8)

IS IT CONSIDERED STALKING YOUR BOYFRIEND IF HE'S INVOLVED IN YOUR MURDER INVESTIGATION? (ASKING FOR A FRIEND)

"This was so much fun. The story is fast-paced and balances suspense and humor perfectly. Fans of humorous mysteries like Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum and Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan should pick up this series. We all need some fun in our reading lives!" —Sarah Can't Stop Reading

#WannabeMrsSmith It’s Turner & Hooch meets Mr. & Mrs. Smith for the ex-celebrity and current (assistant) private investigator Maizie Albright. Her new partner is 150 pounds and canine. Her ex-partner/still-boyfriend is on the wrong side of her infidelity case. So it's Spy vs Spy — or rather, Detective vs Detective — when Maizie and Nash realize they're both tailing the same subject for very different reasons.

Can Maizie out-investigate Nash to learn the secrets he’s probing into at her father’s company? Her relationship is on the line, but it's more than her heart at stake. Her career rests on this case. And there’s a killer at large. One who will do anything to keep dark secrets from getting dragged into the light.

Learn More About 19 CRIMINALS

Mystery Romance Novels