Welcome!

I'm glad you stopped by and hope you'll visit often as this blog grows. Whether you're a longtime mystery reader or you've just discovered the Phyllis Doran Cozy Mystery series, this will be the place where I share what's happening behind the scenes.

Like many readers, I've always enjoyed a good mystery. There's something deeply satisfying about following clues, solving puzzles, and uncovering secrets that have remained hidden for years. When I began writing the Phyllis Doran series, I wanted to create stories that captured that same sense of adventure while taking readers to some of the most beautiful and fascinating locations in the American Southwest.

Unlike many cozy mysteries, the Phyllis Doran novels combine traditional mystery with archaeology, history, hidden clues, and real places that readers can visit themselves. The landscapes aren't simply settings—they become part of the mystery. From the rugged Superstition Mountains to the stunning red rocks of Sedona, each location has its own history, legends, and unanswered questions waiting to be explored.

This blog will give you a glimpse behind the stories. I'll share the inspiration behind each book, interesting historical facts that influenced the plots, research discoveries, writing updates, and occasionally a few hints about where Phyllis, Moonbeam, and Elias may be headed next. (Don't worry—I promise to keep the spoilers to a minimum!)

I'm also excited to hear from readers. If you've read one of the books, I'd love to know what you enjoyed most, which character has become your favorite, or what mysteries and locations you'd like to see explored in future adventures.

If you're new to the series, I invite you to begin with Across and Down in the Desert, where retired archaeologist Phyllis Doran is drawn into a mystery hidden among the legends of Arizona's Superstition Mountains. The adventure continues in Sedona Cipher, where ancient symbols, forgotten journals, and long-buried secrets lead the trio into another unforgettable investigation.

Thank you for visiting and for supporting an independent author. Every reader, every review, and every recommendation means more than you know. I look forward to sharing this journey with you and hope you'll check back often for new posts.

Until next time...

Happy reading!

M. J. Coss

 Author of the Phyllis Doran Cozy Mystery Series