J.R. Mathis

J. R. Mathis and Susan Mathis are co-authors of "The Father Tom Mysteries," a collaborative series blending mystery and personal storytelling. Their partnership began after J. R. pursued his long-held ambition to write novels following a health scare, with Susan joining as co-author after the publication of the second book in the series. Their joint writing process reflects both their shared creativity and their enduring partnership, which began decades earlier under unlikely circumstances in a library.

The couple draws from their distinct backgrounds - Susan's rural Florida upbringing and J. R.'s childhood in a rapidly urbanizing Orlando - to infuse their narratives with contrasting perspectives. Their writing often explores themes of resilience and humor, mirroring their own journey from an adversarial first meeting to a decades-long marriage. With three children and six grandchildren, family remains central to their lives and work.

Now based in Florida, the Mathises plan to travel across the country after J. R.'s retirement, continuing to write together while enjoying time with their growing family. Their collaborative approach has transformed a personal passion into a shared creative endeavor, with "The Father Tom Mysteries" serving as a testament to their partnership both on and off the page.