Order of Barbara D’Amato Books

Barbara D'Amato has built a distinguished reputation as a mystery writer, crafting three notable series that have captivated readers: the Cat Marsala Mysteries, the Figueroa and Bennis series, and the Dr. Gerritt Degraaf Mystery series. Her exceptional storytelling has earned her significant recognition in the literary world, including the inaugural Mary Higgins Clark Award, the Carl Sandburg Award for Excellence in Fiction in 1998, and the Readers Choice Award for Best Police Procedural in 1999.

Born in Michigan, D'Amato eventually settled in Chicago, where she has made her home for many years. Her diverse professional background reads like an adventure novel itself—she's worked as an assistant surgical orderly, built stage magic illusions as a carpenter, assisted with tiger handling, managed theatrical productions, and conducted criminal case research for legal teams. This rich tapestry of experiences undoubtedly enriches the authentic detail and compelling characters found throughout her mystery novels.