Elena Taylor

Elena Taylor is the author of the Sheriff Bet Rivers Mysteries, dark and atmospheric police procedurals set in a small, rural mountain town in Washington State. As Elena Hartwell, she writes the Eddie Shoes Mysteries, about a quirky mother/daughter crime fighting duo.

Taylor is also a developmental editor with Allegory Editing, where she works one-on-one with writers to shape and polish their manuscripts. She also writes the Wait, Wait, Don't Query (Yet!) series of books on the writer's craft.

Her favorite place to be is home at Paradise, near Spokane, Washington. She lives with her hubby, their equines, dogs, and cats. Taylor holds degrees from the University of San Diego, the University of Washington, and the University of Georgia.

Her new novel is The Haunting of Emily Grace.

Recently I asked Taylor about what she was reading. Her reply:

Currently I'm reading Jennifer K. Breedlove's debut novel, Murder Will Out, which launches on Feb 17, 2026. I do a lot of work with the International Thriller Writers' Debut Author program, and try to read as many debut books as I can. It also often gives me access to Advanced Reader Copies. I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm totally hooked. Jennifer has a wonderful, almost literary voice, and the mix of mystery and paranormal is perfect for the dark days of autumn.

Then I'm going to be listening to Following Jimmy Valentine, an audiobook musical by Jeff Flaster. I can't wait to start that one! It stars several big names in musical theater, and is a reimagination of the O. Henry short story, “A Retrieved Reformation,” blending singing, jazz music, and noir comedy. I'll be reviewing that on Feb 3 to celebrate its launch. I don't do a lot of audiobooks, but I couldn't say no to this one when I heard the description. I worked in theater for two decades before moving into writing novels. My theater career included a lot of musical theater, so this felt like too fascinating a project not to sign up for.

It will be a lot of fun to go back and forth between reading and listening, both wonderful ways to experience fine storytelling.

Visit Elena Taylor's website.

Q&A with Elena Taylor.

The Page 69 Test: A Cold, Cold World.

My Book, The Movie: A Cold, Cold World.

--Marshal Zeringue