Lynn Downey

I'm a second generation Californian, I write non-fiction about the West and historical mysteries about dude ranching. I'm also a consulting archivist. I work with businesses, libraries, and museums to organize their historical materials, help researchers, and create exhibits.

My latest history book is "American Dude Ranch: A Touch of the Cowboy and the Thrill of the West." Did I mention I'm interested in dude ranching? The book is a cultural history of this original American vacation, and is full of stories about food, movies, western wear, women's history and their intersection with the dude ranch.

My first novel, "Dudes Rush In" came out in fall of 2020, a cozy, historical mystery set on the H Double Bar dude ranch in Arizona the 1950s. I have a strong woman heroine, and a cast of cowboy characters. "Dudes Rush In" won the Will Rogers Medallion Award and placed first for Arizona Historical Fiction at the New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards.

The next novel in the series, "Dude or Die," is now available. COWGIRL magazine said, "Dude or Die is charming and fun. It will keep you turning the page."

The history next book is now percolating in my brain: the story of Frederick Loring, a young Boston writer who signed on as secretary to a dangerous western expedition in 1871. He wrote sparkling stories for a New York magazine about the people he met, and would have been a great 19th century writer had he survived a stagecoach attack in Arizona at the end of his travels. I'm telling the story of his life, and about the West within his words.

Check out my books and remember: don't squat on your spurs.