Elizabeth C. Bunce, known to her fans as “ecb,” writes dark and fantastical stories beloved by adults and young readers alike. She’s the author of several acclaimed fantasy novels, and her Myrtle Hardcastle series is among the most decorated mysteries of all time. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, featured on Oprah’s Book Club, honored by the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress, and sparked a Goodreads petition demanding sequels.
A native midwesterner, Elizabeth lives in Kansas City on the edge of the windswept prairie, in a cozy house full of quilts, books, costumes, and cats. She’s been a fulltime author since studying English and anthropology at the University of Iowa, which cemented her dual fascination in folklore and forensic science. An accomplished needlewoman, historical costumer, and cosplayer, ecb never passes up a chance to wear a costume (or a hat) to an event. Frequently in demand at festivals, bookseller and library events, and pop-culture conventions, ecb teaches writing and storytelling workshops to both professional writers and kids, and has contributed to Crime Reads, The Strand, and borg. Married to her high school sweetheart, she believes in happily-ever-romance.
Elizabeth is thrilled to be continuing her longtime collaboration with agent Elise Howard, which began when they worked together on the Myrtles at Algonquin Young Readers.
Accolades and Honors:
Elizabeth is a three-time Edgar Award finalist, a four-time Agatha Award finalist, and a four-time Anthony Award finalist. Her fairy tale retelling A Curse Dark as Gold won the inaugural William C. Morris Award for a Young Adult Debut, and was named a Smithsonian Notable Book and an Amelia Bloomer Project/Rise selection. Elizabeth’s books have earned starred reviews from the major industry outlets, and include an Amazon Top 20 Children's Book of the Year, Indie Next Picks, a Kirkus Top 10 Best Book of the Year, a Library of Congress National Book Festival selection, a Mighty Girl Best Book of the Year, a Wall Street Journal holiday guide recommendation, a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best book, and two appearances on Oprah’s Book Club Kids Reading List.
“In the tradition of Flavia de Luce and Harriet the Spy, Myrtle is a fine example of the Victorian scientific female-smart, inquisitive and fearless. Written with a terrific mixture of humor and suspense Premeditated Myrtle is a perfect read for any budding detective.” --Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of the Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy mysteries
“The best thing to happen to youth mysteries since Trixie Belden.” –Publisher’s Weekly on The Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries
The Buffalo News called Premeditated Myrtle a “hugely entertaining, well-crafted Victorian whodunnit.” –The Buffalo News
“Loaded with energy that propels the reader forward in the tradition of all the most addictive of children’s books mysteries.” -The Kansas City Star on Premeditated Myrtle
“A joyful thing to behold… gleefully overturns sexist norms and celebrates independent women of intellect.” –Booklist, starred review of Premeditated Myrtle
"Elizabeth Bunce is the real thing, no question about it. A Curse Dark as Gold beats the hell out of any fantasy novel I’ve read this year. Her heroine/narrator is immensely appealing; the atmosphere of a world on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution is completely believable; and the suspense of the story builds so craftily that I started taking notes on just how she does it. Speaking as a writer, Elizabeth Bunce is definitely worth stealing from; speaking as a reader… all right, all right, already, I couldn’t put it down. She’s that good.” –Peter S. Beagle, author of The Last Unicorn and Tamsin
“Splendid… a smashing read… Bunce has made me happy again.” –Tamora Pierce