Penny Warner is a prolific American author, having written over sixty books in her career. She specializes in mystery novels, children's books, and non-fiction works. Warner's writing career has been marked with several prestigious awards, including multiple Macavity and Agatha Awards. Her books cover a wide range of subjects, from parenting guides and cooking to thrilling murder mysteries.
Warner's first novel series features the lead character Connor Westphal, a deaf reporter working in the Gold Country in California. This series, which includes the award-winning book Dead Body Language, helped her win the Macavity Award in the category of the Best First Book of Mystery. The series was also nominated for the Anthony and Agatha Awards. Another notable series written by Warner is the Party-Planning Mystery series, which features the main character Presley Parker, an event planner based in the Bay Area of San Francisco.
In addition to her adult mystery series, Warner has also written several successful children's books. Her middle-grade mystery, The Code Busters Club, won the Agatha Award for Best Children's Mystery. The series, which features four kids who solve mysteries by cracking secret codes, has been well-received, with half a million copies in print. Warner's non-fiction book, The Official Nancy Drew Handbook, was also nominated for an Agatha Award and includes tips she's learned from reading the Nancy Drew series.
Warner is an active member of several writing organizations, including Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, SCBWI, Women Writing the West, and California Writers Club. She has a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and a Master's degree in Special Education and has been teaching child development at the local college for over 20 years. Warner currently resides in Danville, California, and has two grown children and four grandchildren.
Code Busters Club Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Secret of the Skeleton Key
2011
2
The Haunted Lighthouse
2012
3
The Mystery of the Pirate's Treasure / Secret Treasure of Pirate Cove
2013
4
The Mummy's Curse
2014
5
The Hunt for the Missing Spy
2015
6
The Secret of the Puzzle Box
2016
Code Busters Club Non-Fiction Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Top Secret Code Busters Club Handbook
2015
Connor Westphal Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Dead Body Language
1997
2
Sign of Foul Play
1997
3
Right to Remain Silent
1998
4
A Quiet Undertaking
2000
5
Blind Side
2001
6
Silence is Golden
2003
7
Dead Man's Hand
2012
Food Festival Mystery Books (as Penny Pike)
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Death of a Crabby Cook
2014
2
Death of a Chocolate Cheater
2015
3
Death of A Bad Apple
2016
Party-Planning Mysteries Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
How to Host a Killer Party
2010
2
How to Crash a Killer Bash
2010
3
How to Survive a Killer Séance
2011
4
How to Party with a Killer Vampire
2011
5
How to Dine on Killer Wine
2012
Troop 13 Mysteries Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Mystery of the Missing Mustangs
2001
2
The Mystery of the Haunted Caves
2001
Non-Fiction Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Healthy Snacks for Kids
1983
2
Healthy Treats and Super Snacks for Kids
1985
3
Super Toys
1985
4
Super Snacks for Kids
1985
5
A Deadly Game of Klew
1986
6
Greetings from the Grave
1986
7
The Secret of the Bitter Sweets
1986
8
Penny Warner's Party Book
1987
9
The Best Party Book
1992
10
Kids Party Games & Activities
1993
11
Kids' Holiday Fun
1994
12
Birthday Parties for Kids!
1995
13
Kids' Party Cookbook
1996
14
Splish Splash
1996
15
Games People Play
1998
16
Just for Fun Party Game Book
1998
17
The Kids' Pick-a-Party Book
1998
18
Great Games for Kids on the Go
1998
19
Baby Play and Learn
1999
20
Kids Outdoor Parties
1999
21
Baby Birthday Parties
1999
22
Preschool Play and Learn
2000
23
Slumber Parties
2000
24
Storybook Parties
2001
25
Learn to Sign the Fun Way!
2001
26
Smart Start for Your Baby / Smart Baby, Strong Baby
2001
27
365 Baby Care Tips
2002
28
The Big Book of Party and Holiday Fun
2002
29
Summer Smarts for Cool Kids
2002
30
Parent's and Kid's Complete Guide to Summer Camp Fun