Virginia Rich

Virginia Rich was an American mystery writer best known for creating the beloved culinary sleuth Eugenia Potter. Her debut novel, "The Cooking School Murders," introduced readers to the widowed amateur detective and launched a popular series blending gastronomy with crime-solving. Rich's work gained acclaim for its charming protagonist and inventive integration of food-centric themes into traditional mystery plots.

After Rich's passing, fellow mystery author Nancy Pickard continued the Eugenia Potter series using Rich's extensive notes for future stories. Rich's personal life reflected her Midwestern roots—she was married to cattleman Ray Rich, and their daughter, Susan Rich Sheridan, became a respected art teacher. Though her literary output was limited, Rich's influence on the culinary mystery genre remains significant through her enduring character and the posthumous collaborations that extended her legacy.