Earlene Fowler

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Earlene Fowler is the author of a number of mystery novels set in the fictional city of San Celina, California. She was raised in La Puente, California.

Earlene Fowler has written 12 books in the Benni Harper series of mysteries. Each book in the series has been given the name of a traditional quilt block pattern. The sixth book in the series, Mariner's Compass,won the Agatha Award for Best Novel in 1999. Benni Harper is curator of a folk art museum and quilting figures prominently in many of the storylines. Recurring characters include Police Chief Gabe Ortiz, Benni's friend Elvia Aragon, Grandma Dove, Aunt Garnet, and cousin Emory.

In November, 2004 Benni Harper's Quilt Album was published. Co-written with Margrit Hall, this book features quilt patterns inspired by early books in the series. The book includes photographs and new stories to fill in some missing plot details from the book series.

Ms. Fowler was a short story writer for more than ten years before her first novel was published. Writing classes at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California led to the submission of her first book to a publisher. Within a week, a three-book contract was signed.

Her latest book, The Saddlemaker's Wife, has been nominated for the 2007 Agatha Award for Best Mystery, along with Jacqueline Winspear, Nancy Pickard, L.C. Hayden, and Julia spencer-fleming.