About Ava Ness

Find out more about Ava Ness, a 1920s cozy mystery author creating stylish, twist-filled stories for classic whodunnit fans.

Author Ava Ness wearing a burgundy cloche hat with a flower detail and black-rimmed glasses, smiling slightly while sitting in a cream coloured arm chair. She has curly ash blonde hair and is dressed in a black top with a long beaded necklace.

Ava Ness is a 1920s cozy mystery author who writes twisty, stylish whodunnits starring fearless women and unforgettable settings.

Set in the roaring twenties, her books follow bold women who face murder with grace—and a sharp eye for clues. Readers love her charming characters, vintage settings, and clever plots.

Ava’s best-known work is the Lady Marigold’s 1920s Murder Mysteries. This popular series follows a fashionable ex-spy who uncovers secrets in high society—from luxury trains to lavish estate parties. Wherever Lady Marigold travels, a mystery is sure to follow.

Background

Ava fell in love with 1920s stories at a young age. She read Agatha Christie by torchlight and never missed a Miss Marple rerun. Over time, that love for vintage sleuthing grew into a passion for writing her own.

As a 1920s cozy mystery author, Ava Ness draws inspiration from golden-age detective fiction while adding her own modern flair.

Now, Ava crafts mysteries that blend historical flair with modern energy. She invites readers into a world where women lead, charm conceals danger, and justice always wins.

What You’ll Find in Her Stories

Ava writes for readers who crave satisfying puzzles and stylish adventures. Each book delivers comfort, cleverness, and a touch of sparkle.

Expect:

  • Smart, fashionable female detectives
  • Loyal companions (including a spirited terrier or two)
  • Slow-burn romance and sharp banter
  • Locked-room puzzles and well-placed red herrings
  • Grand settings—trains, seaside resorts, crumbling manors
  • Humor, heart, and high-society mischief

Her mysteries offer both familiarity and surprise, often within the same chapter.

Tropes That Delight Her Readers

Ava Ness loves classic cozy mystery tropes—and she adds her own flair to every one. Her stories feel comforting and fresh at once.

For example:

  • Unconventional heroines take the lead, often outsmarting those who underestimate them.
  • Locked-room mysteries challenge readers to solve the case before the sleuth does.
  • Found family forms through quirky assistants, steadfast friends, and loyal dogs.
  • Enemies-to-allies relationships unfold with tension, banter, and unexpected heart.
  • Fish-out-of-water heroines rise to the occasion in unfamiliar worlds.
  • Glamorous but deadly settings mask secrets behind elegance.
  • Subtle romance adds sparks without overpowering the mystery.

By honoring tradition while embracing fun, Ava creates mysteries that readers return to again and again.

For Fans Of…

If you enjoy strong heroines, clever plots, and vintage charm, you’ll love Ava’s work.

Her books are ideal for fans of:

  • Agatha Christie’s golden-age detectives
  • Kerry Greenwood’s fearless Miss Fisher
  • Jessica Fellowes’ Mitford Murders
  • Elegant historical settings with a twist
  • Cozy mysteries with style, sparkle, and a little scandal

She writes with warmth and wit—perfect for readers who want mystery with a smile.

Where to Begin

Start with A Roaring Murder, the first book in Ava’s Lady Marigold series. This classic locked-room mystery unfolds aboard a luxury train, packed with suspects, secrets, and style.

From there, you can explore more adventures, each offering fashion, flair, and a dash of danger. To dive in, visit her [Books Page].