Irene Sauman is a published Australian author and retired historian known for her historical cozy mystery series set along the Murray River. Writing under her own name, she has crafted the "Emma Berry Mystery" series, drawing inspiration from her family's multi-generational connection to paddle steamers on the river. Under the pen name Rennae Todd, she also writes modern cozy mysteries, showcasing her versatility across historical and contemporary settings.
A lifelong reader with a passion for classic mystery authors like Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, Sauman blends her historical expertise with engaging whodunits. Her upbringing on a New South Wales vineyard near the Murray River deeply influences her settings and themes. Now based in Perth, Western Australia, she balances writing with hobbies including tennis, croquet, and gardening—though her fictional characters face far deadlier fates than her plants.
Sauman's works reflect her meticulous research and love for intricate puzzles, appealing to fans of traditional cozy mysteries with a historical twist. With multiple series and a dedicated readership, she continues to expand her literary contributions across both historical and modern subgenres.
Emma Berry, Murray River Books
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Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
A Gem of a Problem
2016
2
Saddled with Death
2017
3
Murder at the Mill
2020
4
A Body in the Woodpile
2023
5
Death in Disguise
2023
Collections
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Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Nineteenth Century Lady's Commonplace Book
2015
Hettie and Ceefer Mysteries Books (as Rennae Todd)