Jolie Tunnell, Award-winning Historical Mystery Author
“Moving at a blistering pace, the plot keeps you hooked with its unexpected twists and turns, and you can’t help but turn the pages in eager anticipation of what’s to come… Any reader who enjoys westerns or a well-written murder mystery will find The Great Loveda Brown a thoroughly entertaining reading experience.”
– Readers Favorite
“I found the writing to be exceptional. It grabs you and takes you on an adventure that can be both humorous and perilous. I felt transported back to 1912 to this tiny town in the west. Will I seek out the rest of this series to read? That’s no mystery. You bet I will.”
– Historical Fiction Co.
“I was so happy to discover your books. I really like them and can relate to the area, having lived there. I have a cousin who lives in Idyllwild. I am an avid reader and your writing grabbed me from the get go, I must confess I read two books in one all day and night setting. You really are that good.”
– Annie in RI
Hello and thank you for stopping by!
Don’t you love a good mystery? I flavor my historical whodunnits with the turn-of-the-century Wild West and add a pinch of poppycock to keep you guessing, gasping, and galloping to the last page. Cozy up with a cuppa and enjoy these mountaintop mysteries with a feisty small-town community, hidden villains, and the unsinkable Loveda Brown.
I have three exciting things for you today:
First, claim almost 100 FREE mystery books when you…
My newsletter is all grown up now and expanded into Substack! Your free subscription will send you the regular monthly 🌴 Newsletter you already love plus a monthly 🧩 Puzzler full of games and intrigue.
You’ll also know where to find me at author events, leading writer workshops, zooming interviews, chatting on podcasts or panels, and speaking with book clubs and library groups. Maybe yours!
But a Paid Subscription gets you into 🔎 The Dark Alley Detectives where I bring you along for the ride as I craft my next historical mystery work-in-progress. The first three months of 2026 are free for everyone! Investigate it here.
Next…
**Winner GRAND PRIZE, May 2026, for the Chanticleer CIBA M&M Award**
Mrs. Kelly’s dreams of reinvention as a mail-order bride in 1882 San Francisco become nightmares when her charming Irish husband is murdered on their wedding night and she confronts his carefully guarded secrets.
Why did he tell no one about their wedding? Why is a Chinese assassin looking for him? And why does irritating police detective Max Fisher keep turning up like a bad penny?
When the killer strikes again and threatens her new in-laws, Mrs. Kelly races to untangle a web of lies, corruption, and betrayals.
And the jade pendant over her heart—all that’s left of her husband’s pledge—becomes a ticking bomb that will destroy Chinatown.
And last, but not least…
Welcome to my bookshop. Shop direct from me and find all of my books for sale, reviews, first chapters, free audiobooks, and even a corner for the cat. I think you’re going to love it.
Contact me any time. I would love to hear from you. Happy reading and thank you so much. You are the reason I write. 🌟
☕️ Cheers,
PS: What’s cookin’ this year?
The Friends of the Idyllwild Library host the 2026 Author Fair on Saturday, July 25th from 11 am to 3 pm. I’ll have a table at the Idyllwild Public Library (54401 Village Center Dr, Idyllwild) with my books for sale. This year’s theme is Adventure Awaits. We’ll have a hot air balloon carrying a treasure-trove of books contributed by participating authors and raffled at the event. Info: (951) 659-2300
Sitting with authors Corey Lynn Fayman, Jeri Westerson, and Martin Roy Hill, at Casa de Companas (18655 West Bernardo Dr, San Diego) to discuss historical fiction fun facts. Wednesday, September 22 from 10:30 to noon. Our panel can present at your venue, too.
Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation and Oceanside Public Library invite you to Write On, Oceanside! A literary event recognizing and celebrating authors on Saturday, September 26, from 10am to 2pm at the Civic Center Plaza and Courtyard (330 North Coast Hwy, Oceanside). This outdoor event will feature authors selling books, readings, workshops, and craft activities for kids. Info: (760) 435-5600
I’ll be speaking at the Glendale Writer’s Group writer’s retreat in Idyllwild the weekend of October 23rd-25th. This is a private event but a good reminder that I can speak at your event, too.
Author Nation is held this year at the Horseshoe Hotel in in Las Vegas, Nevada. I’m currently invited to sit on a historical mystery panel with Sara Rosett! This is a huge Indie Author Industry Expo that includes Reader Nation on Friday and Saturday where hundreds of authors tout their books. Including yours truly. Y’all come.
