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Mystery & Thriller Author
Mark de Castrique
With 24 mystery novels to his credit and more than 40 years in the television production industry, Mark is a skilled storyteller.
Explore the Work
Featured titles across Mark de Castrique's collection of more than two dozen critically-acclaimed mysteries.
Praise
“As important and as impressive as the author’s narrative skills are the subtle ways he captures the geography – both physical and human – of a unique part of the American South.”
Chicago Tribune
“Stellar . . . marvelous blend of history and mystery.”
Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“de Castrique’s unassuming but commanding prose style is comparable to James Lee Burke and Margaret Maron.”
Library Journal
Beyond the Novels
Multimedia previews, recent news, and writer’s notes from Mark de Castrique’s mystery world.
From the Notebook
Worrying About Characters
Your characters become very real. You live with them daily for months, even years. It can be hard to leave them. You wonder how their lives are going, especially if you've journeyed with them through multiple books. Although it may sound strange, worrying about your characters isn't a wasted emotion. If you don't care about your characters, how can you expect your readers to care.
Upcoming Appearances
Looking Ahead
A new Ethel Fiona Crestwater (Secret Lives Mystery) adventuring is coming in late 2026. Stay tuned for upcoming appearances!
Read the Books
Secret Lives Mysteries
Ex-FBI agent Ethel Fiona Crestwater leads fast-moving Washington-area mysteries.
The Buryin' Barry Mysteries
Funeral director Barry Clayton navigates murder, family, and small-town fault lines in the NC mountains.
The Blackman Agency Investigations
Asheville PI Sam Blackman and Nakayla Robertson take present-day cases rooted in unresolved history.
Standalone Novels
Political thrillers, science thrillers, and middle grade mysteries.
Listen
Audiobook Catalog
Listen to Mark de Castrique titles available in audio format.
ADDITIONAL WORKS
Short Stories & Plays
Short fiction and stagework from Mark de Castrique.
About Mark
Mark was born in Hendersonville, NC, near Asheville. He went straight from the hospital to the funeral home where his father was the funeral director and the family lived upstairs. The unusual setting sparked his popular Buryin' Barry mysteries and launched his mystery writing career.
Read Full Biography