R. L. Killmore

Hey there! I'm R.L. Killmore, but you can call me Rachel (yes, those mysterious initials finally revealed!). I write cozy mysteries with a generous sprinkle of romance and enough small-town charm to make Stars Hollow jealous. And yes, I'm absolutely that person who watches Gilmore Girls reruns while stress-baking cinnamon buns at 2 AM.

I never actually meant to become a writer. I was happily working as a high school librarian in Minnesota (where the winters are long enough to finish writing several novels, trust me), spending my days recommending books to teens and secretly plotting murders. Fictional ones, of course! My students used to joke that I knew way too much about poison for someone who worked with teenagers. They weren't entirely wrong.

My journey into writing started with a particularly brutal winter storm that left me snowed in for three days. Armed with nothing but coffee, my laptop, and my cat Maurice (who's definitely the real author here, I just type what he dictates), I started writing what would become "A Cinnamon Falls Mystery." The story literally began as a joke about what would happen if someone got murdered in a town obsessed with cinnamon buns. Spoiler alert: it's messier than you'd think.

I'm a firm believer that the best mysteries are like perfect cinnamon buns - warm, comforting, but with an unexpected twist that keeps you coming back for more. My books blend the cozy small-town vibes you love with clever mysteries that'll keep you guessing (and craving baked goods). Fair warning: don't read on an empty stomach. I've received multiple complaints about sudden pastry cravings.

When I'm not killing off fictional characters or researching obscure poisons (my browser history would terrify most people), I'm probably testing new cinnamon bun recipes in my tiny kitchen, much to Maurice's judgmental disapproval. He's a harsh critic, both of my baking and my writing. But hey, every author needs an editor, even if yours is a particularly picky orange tabby.

What can you expect from my books? Think Gilmore Girls meets Pretty Little Liars, but with more carbs and caffeine. My characters are real, flawed, and probably running on too much coffee. The mysteries are intricate but fair - I promise all the clues are there if you look carefully enough. And yes, there's always romance, because what's a good mystery without some heart-fluttering moments between all the murder-solving?

I write for readers who love curling up with a good book and a hot drink, who believe in the magic of small towns (while also knowing all their deliciously dark secrets), and who understand that sometimes the best sleuths come armed with both a magnifying glass and a rolling pin. My Cinnamon Falls series is just getting started, and I've got plenty more mysteries cooking up (pun absolutely intended).

When I'm not writing, you can find me: - Attempting to perfect my cinnamon bun recipe (attempt #147 and counting) - Hosting murder mystery dinner parties that get way too elaborate - Convincing Maurice that knocking my coffee cup off the desk isn't helpful to the creative process - Exploring small Minnesota towns for inspiration (and pastries, always pastries)

I love connecting with readers! Drop by my social media to chat about books, baking, or share your favorite murder theories. Just don't ask me who the killer is - my lips are sealed tighter than a jar of homemade preserves. (Though Maurice might tell you if you bribe him with enough treats.)

Fair warning: if you pick up one of my books, you might find yourself craving cinnamon buns at midnight, developing an unhealthy obsession with cozy small towns, and side-eyeing your seemingly innocent neighbors. I take no responsibility for any of these side effects, but I do highly recommend keeping emergency pastries on hand while reading.

Welcome to Cinnamon Falls - where the coffee is strong, the mysteries are stronger, and everyone has a secret worth killing for. Hope you're ready for one wild ride (with snacks, of course)!