Bio

Born and raised in Greenville, Mississippi, Kay Pritchett embarked on an academic journey at Millsaps College in Jackson, before continuing on to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where she achieved her Ph. D. in Spanish Literature. After a transformative experience in Spain, she accepted a position at the University of Arkansas, where she dedicated herself to teaching and research until her retirement in 2016.  Once she’d shed her academic robe, she delved into her lifelong dream of writing fiction.

As a mystery writer, she delights in blending the charming wit of amateur sleuth Mosey Frye with the suave sophistication of police chief Gus Olivera. She’s all about sprinkling her Mosey Frye Mysteries with lively banter, highlighting the dynamic interactions between Mosey and her trusty sidekick Nadia, as well as the intriguing dialogues between Olivera and sharp-witted coroner Eads McGinnis. Her goal? To transport readers into the thrilling world of an Agatha Christie whodunit, but with a delightful twist—think verandas and paddle boats! 

Murder in High Cotton (2022), inspired by childhood memories of the Delta, anthologizes her first short mystery novels. She launched her first full-length novels, The Summer House at Larkspur (Book #4) and The Incident at Sunny Banks (Book #5), soon after in 2023. The House with a Secret Cellar (Book #6) has reached the final stages of editing and will enter production soon, so get ready for another wild ride with Mosey Frye Mysteries!

If you’re in the mood for a printed book, head to Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, AR, or Novel in Memphis. Prefer shopping online? No worries. You can find all the mysteries at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other top retailers. Want to go digital? Readers who prefer digital copies can find them through distributors across the globe. Get your copy today— adventure and intrigue await!