About |
Elaine L. Orr's Lifelong Dreams Publishing produces her mysteries and occasional books of poetry. She founded it in 1995 and began publishing regularly in 2010. Find out more at www.elaineorr.com.
The mysteries are traditional or cozy mysteries -- generally with an amateur sleuth and minimal violence. That doesn't mean boring! She chose this sub-genre because readers of all interests can enjoy these books.
Elaine L. Orr has authored more than thirty-five books and is known for using genuine dialogue to bring characters to life.
What makes Elaine’s fiction different from other traditional mysteries? Some might say the dry humor (only a few say lame), but she thinks it is the empathy her characters show to others. Fiction can’t ‘lecture’ readers. But it can contain people whose paths we cross every day — whether we know it or not. The bright colleague or grouchy neighbor who’s actually in severe emotional pain, the families struggling to provide enough food for their children, the vet with PTSD. While characters solve crimes or plan silly fundraisers, they can tacitly let us know there is a world beyond those activities. And maybe they can make it a little better.
Elaine writes four mystery series. The newest is the Family History Mystery Series, set in the mountains of Western Maryland. “The Unscheduled Murder Trip” received and Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion in 2022.
The Jolie Gentil cozy mystery series, set at the Jersey shore, includes “Behind the Walls,” which was a finalist for the 2014 Chanticleer Mystery and Mayhem Awards. In the River’s Edge mystery series, Iowa nice meets murder. “Demise of a Devious Neighbor” was a 2017 Chanticleer finalist. “Tip a Hat to Murder,” the first in the Logland mystery series, opens the door to Logland, Illinois. It’s the first of the three-book police procedurals with a cozy feel.
Elaine also writes plays and novellas, including the one-act, “Common Ground,” published in 2015. Her novella, “Biding Time,” was one of five finalists in the National Press Club’s first fiction contest, in 1993. “Falling into Place” is a novella about family strength as a World War II veteran rises to the toughest occasion. “In the Shadow of Light” brings the tragedies of the U.S. Mexico border to life through the eyes of children and their parents.
Books are distributed to bookstores and libraries via Ingram and can be ordered at any online bookseller.