About Hillary Doan Sperry

Hi friends! I’m Hillary Doan Sperry, an author who writes and breathes cozy mysteries, especially quilt-themed mysteries full of small-town charm, clever clues, and heartwarming friendships.

My love for mysteries began early, growing up on Nancy Drew books and dreaming of crafting my own small-town whodunits one day. That dream came true when I began writing serial cozy mystery novellas for BLOCK Magazine, published by the Missouri Star Quilt Co. My main character was inspired by Jenny Doan, the creative heart of Missouri Star—and my mom!

Writing for BLOCK sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling and mystery-making. What started as short serials soon grew into a full-blown love of building entire fictional worlds, piecing together cozy plots the same way quilters stitch together beautiful fabrics, one thoughtful detail at a time.

Today, I’m thrilled to be writing full-length novels in the Missouri Star Mystery Series, along with new small-town mystery ideas that celebrate creativity, community, and the joy of solving puzzles with heart. My books are clean, feel-good mysteries that blend quilting, friendship, and a dash of intrigue... perfect for readers who love a cozy escape.

If you enjoy quilt mysteries, craft-themed fiction, and stories that feel like a warm cup of coffee on a rainy day, you’re in the right place. Follow along as I keep stitching together tales of friendship, imagination, and small-town secrets—because in my world, every quilt has a mystery and every stitch tells a story.

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Fun Facts About the Author

I started writing mysteries as an experiment. My families' quilt shop needed someone to write for their magazine, and I thought I write books...how hard can it be? *cue laughter* Never ask how hard can it be. Trust me, you don't want to know. But after writing a couple novellas (short books) I was getting excited about the stories. I decided to write a full length novel and see how that went and surprise, surprise, I'm still going!

My favorite book changes periodically, but I love lots of the classics like Nancy Drew, Little House on the Prairie, Little Women, and Harry Potter. Fun fact- the first thing I wrote (not on school construction paper) was fanfic about Twilight that was nothing like Fifty Shades of Grey but nonetheless fanfic. Books like Charly and Firecracker are the first books that made me cry, and I have a soft spot for historicals.

Absolutely! Though I think it's more fun for me than her sometimes. I get nervous or silly when I think about her really doing the things I've written. I adore my mother and I adore her as a character.

No matter if Jenny is locked in a closet, being sweet or sassy to her husband, or hanging out with her best friends I try to make sure it always feels like something my mom would say. Sometimes I get it right and sometimes I don't but rest assured she always lets me know when I don't!

So, if we're being real. . . this is my most frequently asked question. My most frequent answer? *Check the clock*, *see it's already five o'clock*, *turn back to child or spouse and smile* What do you want for dinner?

My family is amazing at helping me remember the menial tasks of staying alive. I'm a mom of five kids, two married, one on a mission, and two still at home. Even my married daughters want to know what's for dinner. I've been married for almost twenty-five years and I would do anything for my family. Even plan dinners. That happens sometimes . . . occasionally . . . amazingly everyday they are fed.

Oh and my go to dinner? Tacos or Coconut Chicken.

About Hillary Doan Sperry

Why did you decide to write mysteries?

What's your favorite book?

What's your favorite of the books you've written?

Does your mom like that she's in your books?

What's for dinner?

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