Welcome! I am the award-winning author of two mystery series for The Wild Rose Press: the Dinner Club Mysteries featuring Jane Marsh, an empty nester who hosts a gourmet dinner club, and the Tow Truck Mysteries starring Delaney Morran, a super feminine shoe-a-holic who drives a tow truck. Both are about strong friendships and family ties set in Colorado.
In the Dinner Club Murder Mysteries, recent widow Jane Marsh is determined to recapture a rich, full life including hosting an exclusive supper club. Stumbling across dead bodies has also developed into one of her hobbies. Using the paralegal skills she honed at her job in a Denver law firm, Jane knows how to conduct an investigation. But her suspicious mind collides with her trusting nature, and when she serves up culinary treats she also stirs up trouble.
The first in the series, Everything Bundt the Truth, was the First Place recipient in the Suspense Novel category of the 2017 International Digital Awards Contest for Oklahoma Romance Writers of America.
In the Tow Truck Mysteries, Delaney Morran receives an unexpected inheritance—the keys to a tow truck—from a dad she’s never known. Despite the fact she has never changed a tire in all of her twenty-eight years, she decides to give the rough and dangerous business a chance. Hauling cars for suspicious characters provides plenty of opportunities to discover dead bodies. And when that happens Delaney must toughen up her image as the tow truck operator in high-heels and find the killers in her otherwise safe mountain town.
The third in the series, Eyes on the Road, was a Second Place winner of the 2023 Firebird Book Awards in the Cozy Mystery category.
I’m also indie-publishing a new cozy mystery – a beach read set in coastal North Carolina. Murder at Sea Oats Beach is to be released on Kindle Unlimited June 20, 2024 and is available for preorder: Click Here
Breanna Hart is volunteering at the animal shelter and living her best life in a North Carolina beach town, but that changes when the police chief is found dead under mysterious circumstances inside the cage of her favorite dog. Everyone has the dog tagged as the murderer, even the handsome police officer in charge of the investigation, and the pooch is put on the euthanasia list. In spite of being new in town and dealing with both a social phobia and a secret, will Breanna be able to solve the crime and prove the dog’s innocence? Will she be able to find his forever home so she can embrace the salty seaside life and find a forever home for herself?
Amazon reviews for the first book in the Tow Truck Murder Mysteries, Toes on the Dash:
“Another great mystery series by Karen C Whalen. Loved the idea of a sleuth tow truck driver and her friend the coffee shop owner. Fresh fun idea. The Who-done-it was a surprise and kept my attention while trying to gather clues. Looking forward to reading more in the series.”
“*WARNING* You will not be able to put Toes on the Dash down! It is a well written, well thought out mystery with plenty of heart and humor. I found myself not only loving the main character, Delaney, but laughing out loud at her quirky humor. And the ending? Never saw that coming! Can’t wait for the next book to see what Delaney is up to!”
“I was so excited to read Toes on the Dash and I was not disappointed! I loved the plot and was so surprised in the end. As a woman in the towing industry, I can relate to Delaney and she now has a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to see what happens next for her and Del’s Towing!”
“Loved the book! Never would I have thought a book about a female tow truck driver would be so hilarious and fun to read. Throw in a murder and some romance with interesting characters and you have a fun book.”
“I always enjoy reading local authors setting their books here in Colorado. This is another fun read by Karen Whalen set in the Rockies but with a whole new story line and cast of characters. Kept me engaged and feeling like I was part of that little mountain town, down to smelling the coffee being brewed in that little coffee shop. Looking forward to the rest of the series.”
“I absolutely loved this book! Delaney the main character NEVER gives up trying to prove she CAN run a tow truck service without any experience. Her situations often have hilarious and snarky dialogue. So many times I would have liked to high five her! A super fun read.”
“Take one feisty widow and her appealing friends, add a gourmet dinner club, sprinkle with murder and you have a recipe for a delightful read!” Laura DiSilverio, author of the Readaholics Book Club mysteries.
“A culinary cozy mystery that dishes up a serving of humor.” Rhonda Blackhurst, author of the Whispering Pines mysteries and the Melanie Hogan cozy mystery series.
“Whalen will have you simultaneously cooking up recipes for your own dinner club and eyeing everyone suspiciously.” Rachel Weaver, author of Point of Direction.
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