Dorothy St. James is a pen name for the American author Dorothy McFalls, who is renowned for her cozy mystery novels. Born in New York, she was raised in South Carolina, a place that she holds close to her heart and often incorporates into her writing. Dorothy has always been passionate about writing, with a particular interest in sharing her unique sense of mystery with others.
Before becoming a full-time author, Dorothy pursued a variety of educational and professional paths. She earned an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology and a graduate degree in Public Administration and Urban Planning. She then went on to work in all branches and levels of government, gaining valuable experience that would later inform her writing. Dorothy also spent time during college working for a non-profit environmental watchdog organization, further deepening her knowledge and passion for the natural world.
Switching from government service and community planning to fiction writing was a natural transition for Dorothy. Her government work was centered around the stories of people and the places where they live, and as an urban planner, she loved telling the stories of the people she met. This desire to tell stories eventually grew into a full-fledged passion for writing fiction, leading her to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time author in 2001.
Under the name Dorothy St. James, she has written several successful cozy mystery series, including the Beloved Bookroom Mysteries, the Southern Chocolate Shop Mysteries, and the White House Gardener Mysteries. Her writing has been well-received by critics and readers alike, earning her numerous award nominations and praise for her emotive and suspenseful storytelling.