Mirth, Mayhem, & Magic: Stories of Whimsy and Wonder

by Liz Alter, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

Step into a world where laughter meets mystery and a touch of wonder lingers in the air. In this enchanting collection, Liz Alter blends the cozy humor of small-town life with the sharp edge of intrigue found in her Hardway Mysteries—tales written in the fast-paced, hardboiled spirit of Mickey Spillane. From a violin gone missing under suspicious circumstances to gnomes who come to life beneath a summer moon, every story brims with wit, heart, and a dash of unexpected magic. Whether it’s mayhem in the kitchen, mischief in the garden, or mystery in the shadows, Mirth, Mayhem, and Magic reminds us that even the strangest days can shine with laughter—and that sometimes, a little wonder is all we need to make sense of the chaos.

Audible Audio

Published December 22, 2025

About the author

Hi everyone! I’m Liz Alter, and I’m so happy you’re here.

I write the Footprints cozy-fantasy series and the Pastor Mary Mysteries—stories filled with a little bit of magic, a lot of heart, and the kind of moments that remind us we’re never alone.

I came to writing later in life, and what started as a quiet creative spark has grown into one of the greatest joys of my life. I love creating stories set in small, close-knit communities where faith, family, and even the smallest acts of kindness can change everything.

If you enjoy uplifting stories, gentle mystery, and characters (both human and a little magical!) who feel like friends, then you’re in exactly the right place.

I live in sunny Florida with my family and my sweet terrier—who often inspires the furry companions in my books. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me reading, staying active, or dreaming up my next story.

Thank you so much for being here. It truly means the world to me.


Liz Alter is the creator of the Footprints cozy-fantasy series and the Pastor Mary Mysteries, where magic, family, and faith come together in heartwarming, uplifting stories. Her books blend gentle wonder, comforting mystery, and touches of humor—creating stories readers often describe as “hope-filled,” “cozy,” and “full of heart.” While her Sheriff Rebecca Anderson series leans into darker, more intense storytelling, her heart remains rooted in uplifting, hope-filled fiction.

Liz began writing later in life, discovering a joyful new creative chapter that quickly grew into a full author journey. Inspired by her love of small-town life, close-knit community, and a deep belief that God often works in life’s quiet, everyday moments, she writes stories that leave readers smiling—and sometimes reaching for a tissue.

She lives in sunny Florida with her family and her lovable terrier, who often inspires the furry companions in her books. When she’s not writing, Liz enjoys reading, staying active, and dreaming up her next cozy mystery or magical adventure.

When footprints appear, magic is sure to follow.