I am the author of the Star O’Brien cozy mystery series set in County Mayo, Ireland.
My passion for Ireland grew out of my love for my parents and their families. My father was from Cork; my mother was from Mayo. I’ve kissed the Blarney Stone twice! When I was sixteen, my parents sent me to St. Joseph’s Convent of Mercy boarding school in Castlebar, Mayo for two years. I fell in love with the people, especially all the cousins, my aunts and uncles, the lush and moody landscape, and the culture.
In the early 1980’s, my parents purchased a cottage from my grand uncle, John Nolan. My mom and dad had several wonderful years there, doing up the place. The Nolan cottage, as it is called, serves as the setting for French Hill cottage in the Star O’Brien books.
Star O’Brien is an independent, feisty, strong female lead. She’s had a few losses in her life. The pain she’s suffered makes her more independent than most; and it also makes her a strong advocate for the lost, the missing, and the dead. I’m sure Star is patterned after some of the strong female influences in my life.
Before turning to writing, I was a teacher, management consultant, university professor, and dean of a business college.
I was born in New York City but lived in New Jersey beginning at the age of eight. In 2017, my partner, Bill, and I moved to Florida where I enjoy cooking, reading, swimming, and our Schipperke puppy, named Turlough.
I graduated with honors from William Paterson University (WPU) with a degree in English and certification as an English teacher. I was granted a fellowship from WPU during which time I earned my M.A. in English. In 2004, I earned a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the The Union Institute and University.
I am a member of Sisters in Crime and the Alliance of Independent Authors. I’m currently working on my fourth Star O’Brien County Mayo mystery.