“Robin walked toward the two officers saying, ‘Put your guns down or I’ll kill her right now.’
He passed in front of Zeb and in that two seconds, the last two he would ever get to do something right, Zeb grabbed the crowbar from the side of the shed and brought it crashing down on Robin’s elbow, the only part he could reach without maybe hitting Doris. He knew his moving would force the detectives to shoot him – how could they not?But he saw the Derringer fly from Robin’s hand.
Then all the guns in the world seemed to speak at once. Zeb had one blinding, transcendent moment in which he thought he saw how he could do it all better the next time, and then something hit him in the head and he was gone.”
Who Wrote This? Not Who You’d Expect.
Who wrote this gripping scene from a modern murder mystery?
- A 55-year-old ex-Navy SEAL.
- A 39-year-old bestselling crime author with law enforcement experience.
- An 80-something former motel owner and grandmother from Oro Valley.
The answer: Elizabeth Gunn, an energetic and prolific senior mystery writer who lives and writes right here in Tucson’s northwest side.
From Minnesota Motel Owner to Tucson Crime Novelist
Elizabeth Gunn, known to friends as Liz, is far from your average retiree. With two successful mystery series under her belt—one set in Minnesota and the other in Tucson—she’s a vibrant example of how reinvention and creativity can bloom at any age.
Before becoming a published author, Liz spent nearly three decades running motels with her husband in Helena, Montana. When they retired, they had grown their business into an enterprise including two motels, two restaurants, two bars, and 60 employees.
Adventure has always been her style. While working full-time, Liz also earned her pilot’s license and became a certified SCUBA diver. After selling the business, she and her husband spent several years traveling the world until finally settling in Tucson’s Oro Valley.
From Restless Retiree to Published Author
After years of being on the move, Liz found herself restless again—this time for a creative challenge. She had always loved reading mysteries, and figured, “How hard could it be to write one?”
As it turned out, she had the perfect inside connection: a nephew who was Deputy Chief of Police in Rochester, Minnesota. Once he stopped laughing at her idea, he helped her understand police procedures and even arranged ride-alongs with officers. Her debut novel featuring Detective Jake Hines was published shortly after.
Introducing Tucson’s Own Detective Sarah Burke
Not one to sit still for long, Liz eventually created a second series set in Tucson. This time the star is Sarah Burke, a tough, sharp-witted homicide detective with the Tucson Police Department. The sixth novel in the series, Denny’s Law, was recently published and takes readers on a gritty, authentic tour of the Old Pueblo.
Still Learning, Still Writing
Elizabeth Gunn says her best trait is that she’s a learner—and that shows in every book she writes. Despite starting her writing career later in life, she has continued to evolve as an author. Her latest project? A standalone mystery set in Montana centered around wildland fires—a topic she researched hands-on over the summer.
When asked to describe her worst trait, she smiles and replies, “I have a temper.” That grit may just be the secret sauce to her characters’ edge.
Where to Find Elizabeth Gunn’s Mystery Books
If you’re curious to explore Liz’s work, you’ll find her novels through the Pima County Public Library. Whether you’re in the mood for a dark Minnesota crime case or a fast-paced Tucson mystery thriller, Elizabeth Gunn has a story for you.
And if you’re lucky enough to meet her in person, don’t be surprised if she leaves you wondering how such a kind, cheerful woman can write such chilling murder scenes.