Carmela Dutra

Carmela Dutra is a Bay Area–based author who writes cozy mysteries with sharp banter, strong sibling bonds, and the vibrant food culture of Northern California’s most eclectic region. Her Food Truck Mystery Series blends culinary competition, small-town secrets, and humor-forward sleuthing, all rooted in the distinctly diverse rhythms of the Bay Area.

Dutra's debut novel, A Murder Most Fowl, received praise from Kirkus Reviews for its “serious set of crimes leavened by plenty of amusing moments,” and from Criminal Element for the “juicy reasoning behind the sabotage [that] was almost as shocking as the murder itself.” New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams called it “the perfect escapist read, brimming with banter and an extra helping of fun.” Dutra has also been featured in CrimeReads.

The second installment in the series, Hot Wings and Homicide, earned additional praise from Kirkus Reviews, which said, “Winner, winner, murder for dinner ... An entertaining mystery with amusing characters—including a pet chicken.” Further cementing the author’s voice in the cozy mystery space.

A frequent podcast guest and live-event panelist, Dutra has appeared on Bookish Flights, The Fiction Lounge, Cozy Crime Reads, and Bookshelf Odyssey, and has spoken at bookstores including Kepler’s Books & Magazines. She is known for her warm, engaging presence and her ability to connect with readers through humor, craft, and community.

Dutra lives in the Bay Area with her husband, two dinosaur-obsessed sons, and an assortment of over-cuddled pets. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found at a bookstore, a farmers’ market, or chasing the perfect chicken wing.

Recently I asked the author about what she was rearding. Dutra's reply:

Lately I’ve been listening to the Nosey Parker cozy mystery series by Fiona Leitch through my Libby app. I’m extremely picky about audiobooks, so borrowing through the library has become my favorite way to discover new series and narrators without pressure. The Nosey Parker books have completely transported me to the English countryside with their charming village settings, food, humor, and murder mysteries. They’re also shorter books, which makes them perfect for listening to while running errands, folding laundry, or tackling the endless cycle of household chores. I’ve just borrowed A Cornish Christmas Murder, the fourth book in the series, and I’m already looking forward to diving back into that world.

Physically, I’m currently reading An Impossible Impostor from the Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn. I absolutely love the balance of mystery, adventure, and character development in those books. Veronica is such a sharp, unconventional protagonist, and even though I write contemporary cozy mysteries rather than historical ones, I often find myself inspired by the way the series develops its relationships and long-running character arcs. They’re the kind of books that make me excited both as a reader and as a writer.

Since summer break has officially started in my house, reading has also become more of a family event because my boys and I started a family book club. My youngest, who’s six, and I have been reading the Pug Diaries books together, while my oldest recently discovered the re-release of the Animorphs series. That one has been especially fun for me because I absolutely loved Animorphs when I was his age. Now, I get to experience those books all over again through his eyes, which has been surprisingly emotional in the best possible way. Watching him react to moments I still remember decades later feels a little like sharing a piece of my childhood with him one chapter at a time.

Visit Carmela Dutra's website.

Q&A with Carmela Dutra.

--Marshal Zeringue