Irene Sauman

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
# Title Year
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
# Title Year
1 The Nineteenth Century Lady's Commonplace Book 2015
Hettie and Ceefer Mysteries Books (as Rennae Todd)
# Title Year
1 Betwixt and Bewitched 2022
2 A Christmas in July Sundowner Sally 2022
3 Death by Candlelight 2023
4 Malice Aforecourt 2023
5 Grave Double 2023