Jenn McKinlay

Jenn McKinlay is a successful and prolific American author, best known for her cozy mystery novels. She has written under various pseudonyms, including Jennifer McKinlay, Josie Belle, and Lucy Lawrence. Her works span several popular series, such as the Decoupage Murder Mysteries, Cupcake Bakery Mysteries, Library Lover's Mysteries, Good Buy Girls Mysteries, and Hat Shop Mysteries. McKinlay's path to becoming a novelist was filled with determination and a series of serendipitous events.

McKinlay initially aspired to become a romance author, pursuing her passion by studying English Literature and Library Science at Southern Connecticut State University. After working as a librarian, she found it challenging to balance her full-time job with her writing aspirations. In search of a more conducive environment for her creative pursuits, she relocated to Arizona. It was there that she discovered her true calling lay not in romance but in mystery novels, a genre in which she has since excelled.

Beyond her writing career, McKinlay is a dedicated wife, mother, and crafter. She is married to musician Chris and shares her life with a few beloved pets, including a dog, two cats, and a fish. McKinlay is also an avid doodler and craftswoman, having been introduced to decoupage at the age of twelve. Her love for crafts led her to establish a local craft store, Michael's Craft Store, further showcasing her artistic talents and interests. McKinlay continues to reside in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she balances her time between writing her captivating mystery novels and nurturing her family and creative passions.