An archaeologist-librarian solves ancient mysteries from across the globe
A huge thank you to all L.J.’s readers who love Dr Pimms and are waiting for her next archaeological adventure.
Dr Pimms has been on hiatus for five years due to changes at her publisher. In April 2018, just one month after the book tour for Egyptian Enigma, Dr Pimms’ publisher changed hands. The series was dropped without warning or explanation and Egyptian Enigma was withdrawn from sale.
Despite normal reversion clauses in her contracts, it took L.J. many attempts to reclaim the rights.
In 2023, under new management, Dr Pimms’ publisher reverted my rights to Elizabeth’s stories of forensic investigation and family secrets.
In 2024, my focus is breathing new life into the series. I can’t wait to share more tales from Elizabeth’s world of modern murders, ancient mysteries and forgotten women’s history.
Five years down the track, a reboot of the series may look a little different, but rest assured that Dr Pimms’ stories will always include skeletons - of the real and the closet kind - ancient civilisations, and Elizabeth’s gang of archaeologist and librarian sleuths.
Copies of the first three books in the Dr Pimms series are still available directly from L.J. Please note that it may be some time until the next book in the series is released. As a reboot, it may not follow on directly from the end of Egyptian Enigma.
What is the series about?
Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth is a traditional mystery series that follows the journey of enthusiastic Australian archaeologist (and reluctant librarian) Dr Elizabeth Pimms.
In each instalment, Elizabeth investigates a mystery from an ancient civilisation, with plenty of forensic science, culinary exploration and historic trivia along the way.
'LJM Owen’s latest book Egyptian Enigma has a splendid fusion of ancient and modern narratives. Her Ancient Egypt is scholarly, well-chosen and intricate. And there are recipes. What else could a reader possibly ask for?’—Kerry Greenwood
'Combined with the frequent food references and wonderful literary references, such as Agatha Christie and Mark Twain, this is a series you can’t help but fall in love with.'—Better Reading
'A cosy and rollicking tale in a sub-genre that is refreshing to see in Australian crime fiction... Through flashes into Olmec’s brutal history, debut author Owen builds the tension in a mystery that is more than 3000 years old.' —Books + Publishing
Read more reviews of the Dr Pimms, Intermilliennial Sleuth series.
Signed Copies from the Author
If you would like to purchase a signed paperback copy of one or all three books from L.J., please email ljmowen.tarwf@gmail.com with the subject: ‘Purchase a signed copy’.
One copy $20, two copies $40, three copies $50, plus postage in Australia.
A Note From the Author
Like many bookworms, the best parts of my childhood were spent in the storyworlds created by others.
A bad day saw me escape under the covers, with a torch and an orange, to faraway lands where mysteries were solved, hard work was rewarded and bad guys got their comeuppance. As an adult I decided to create another place for us to all run away to.
They say you should write what you know. As I’m a trained archaeologist, a qualified librarian and I have a PhD in palaeogenetics, I thought—archaeological mystery series, with a librarian protagonist—naturally!
So if you like the idea of curling up in an armchair, tea in hand, fireplace crackling, and immersing yourself in a world of archaeological wonders, forensic science and really good food, then this might just be your new favourite series.
Welcome to the world of Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth. Really cold cases.