J.T. Mercer writes small-town mysteries for people who like their murders fictional, their coffee hot, and their neighbors just a little too interested in everyone else’s business.
The idea behind Millhaven started with two things that probably shouldn’t go together nearly as well as they do: small-town secrets and the Victorian language of flowers. Turns out, flowers can say a lot more than “Happy Birthday” or “Sorry I forgot our anniversary.” Some of them carry meanings involving jealousy, suspicion, warning, and worse—which is much more useful when you’re writing mysteries.
Mercer has always been fascinated by the little details people overlook. Who ordered the flowers? Who didn’t? Why did someone suddenly change their routine? And why is that person across the street pretending not to watch what’s going on?
If you’ve ever lived in a town where three people know what happened before the person it happened to does, Millhaven should feel familiar. If you haven’t, welcome. Someone will probably know your business by Tuesday.
These stories are for readers who enjoy clever, fair-play mysteries, dry humor, memorable characters, and small towns that feel real enough that you might find yourself missing them between books.
So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and welcome to Millhaven.
Just remember: around here, even the flowers have something to say.