Simone is a cozy mystery author who finds inspiration in the charming nooks and crannies of North Carolina, where she lives with her husband and their ever-curious dog, who might just be her most loyal sleuthing companion. Simone’s love for storytelling began at a tender age when she penned her first “book” at seven—an unforgettable piece titled How to Make a Baby that left her most devoted fans (her parents) both shocked and amused. Though only one precious copy remains, it sparked a lifelong passion for crafting tales. In middle school, Simone’s love for stories truly took root after she read The Outsiders more times than she can count, igniting a fire that led to countless scribbled stories in notebooks. She honed her craft at the University of Maryland, where she studied creative writing and English, before heading to the bustling streets of San Francisco to embark on a career in advertising. But the cozy allure of small-town mysteries kept calling her back, and now she weaves tales full of intrigue, charming settings, and characters who feel like old friends. Random Facts About Simone … - Used to perform and record Americana folk music when she lived in Los Angeles - Is obsessed with Boston Terriers—and dogs in general - Helps lead a Jesus-centered recovery program called Celebrate Recovery for hurts, hang-ups and habits - USA Today best-selling author under the pen name Simone Pond and has sold over 17,000 books with over 80,000 downloads worldwide - When Simone isn’t writing, she’s reading … or binge-watching HGTV shows