I’ve always been drawn to stories where atmosphere matters—where the setting feels alive, secrets linger just beneath the surface, and the past refuses to stay buried.

I write mysteries that lean into suspense, mood, and emotional tension, without graphic violence or shock-for-shock’s-sake. Whether a story is eerie or lighthearted, my goal is the same: to pull readers in with strong characters, a sense of unease or curiosity, and a mystery that unfolds at just the right pace.

Under the name Marie Blackhurst, I write modern gothic mysteries. These stories often feature haunted or unsettling places, inherited secrets, and the feeling that something is wrong long before anyone can explain why. They’re spooky without being brutal—designed to unsettle rather than overwhelm.

As Deanne Blackhurst, I write cozy mysteries with heart and humor. These novels center on everyday people caught up in unexpected mysteries, small communities with hidden layers, and investigations driven more by insight than danger.

Across both genres, I care most about voice, atmosphere, and emotional resonance. I believe tension doesn’t need cruelty to be effective, and that the most powerful mysteries are often the quietest ones.

Thank you for being here—and for reading.