J. A. Menzies

While I’d hate to stumble on a real body under any circumstances, I have a thing about noticing the “perfect” locations for finding mythical bodies. In order not to waste this fascinating (and hopefully, unusual) skill, I decided to write mysteries.

Mysteries have been my books of choice since I discovered Trixie Beldon (I owned every book) and other teen detectives. Later, I discovered and devoured the work of Erle Stanley Gardner, John Creasey, Agatha Christie, Georgette Heyer, Ngaio Marsh, Dorothy L. Sayers, Desmond Bagley, Raymond Chandler, Emma Lathen, and others.

I still go back and reread many of the authors of the British Golden Age—they’re my comfort-books. I also read a variety of contemporary authors, including Donna Andrews, Louise Penny, Alan Bradley, Sue Grafton, Peter Robinson, Rick Blechta, Vicki Delany, P. D. James, Marcia Muller, and T. Jefferson Parker.

I also speak and teach workshops for writers. I especially enjoy sharing some of my secrets on developing plots. (One of my favorite reviews, from Library Journal, called me a “Master of plotting.”)

I'm a member of a number of organizations for writers, including Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, and The Writers Union of Canada.