Meet Elle Jauffret
Elle’s interest in writing began at an early age. “I would say (it started) in 6th grade, after reading The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury,” she said. It continued to grow because of her love of stories that reach out and touch readers’ emotions. “I never thought about ‘being an author’ per se. I have always loved the power of stories and wanted to create something that could have that same effect on others—especially stories with a mystery or unknown elements— which could make people think, reflect, and shiver at the same time.”
“For me, writing is as natural and rewarding as breathing. I’ve always crafted stories, so I have been a writer since the day I knew how to write. Writing is a physical need. Asking what made me decide to write is like asking what made me decide to breathe.”
Elle’s debut novel, THREADS OF DECEPTION, is an award-winning mystery with an intriguing plot and a protagonist with a unique personal issue to resolve. “Threads of Deception, the first of the Suddenly French Mystery series, introduces Claire Fontaine, a D.C. criminal attorney, who is
leaving the legal world behind to become a private chef, after a criminal explosion destroyed her law firm and left her with French Foreign Accent Syndrome. In order to heal and reassess her life, she returns to Caper Cove, California to cater for a fashion TV show at the request of a rising designer friend, only to find her friend dead. Determined to prove that it’s not suicide but a murder, Claire teams up with childhood best friend, Suggie Oh, and clashes with Detective Ben Torres who happens to be her new roommate.
”The writing community has recognized the new author’s work multiple times. Elle won the New York International Women Festival Award for a Short Script in 2023, and was a Claymore Award finalist in 2024. This year she was nominated for the 2025 Agatha Award for Best First Novel and won the 2025 PenCraft Seasonal Book Award (Spring) for Fiction/Mystery Sleuth.Internationally acclaimed authors have also taken note. New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry praised her debut novel, stating,
“Elle Jauffret spins a powerful, complex, and compelling mystery! Threads of Deception dives deep into the human experience and does so with elegance and insight. Highly recommended!”
USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan calls called Threads of Deception “A charming traditional mystery with a unique French twist” and said Elle is “a smart and fresh new voice;” stating that Threads of Deception “…will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can.”
The French-born, American author’s main writing focus right now is on additions to her acclaimed series. “I am presently editing COSPLAYED TO DEATH, the second book of the Suddenly French Mystery series which will launch in November 2025. I’ve also started drafting the third book of the series, scheduled for release in November 2026. Both books continue Claire Fontaine’s story, as the former attorney-turned-private chef deals with French Foreign Accent syndrome and new mysteries that surface, while she reluctantly shares her apartment with the local detective. In addition to those plotlines, the debut novel looks at how we sound, the second book considers how we look and/or are perceived, and the third reflects on what we believe/the truth about our history.
“I also have a short story, “The View from Here,” in Dread Coast, an upcoming anthology to benefit the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. It debuts in August 2025.”
Participating in the writing community is important to Elle. Her first project involved encouraging children to read. “I was the chairperson for the Pediatric Literacy Program at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (the President’s hospital) for two consecutive years. I participated in and organized writers’ meetings with the Shut Up & Write organization for two years until I discovered the existence of Sisters in Crime. I served on the board as a member-at-large for Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles. I’ve been a write-in host for Sister in Crime (national) since last year. I am also a permanent member of the Writers Coffeehouse in San Diego.”
Elle is participating in several literary events in 2025, and she invites writers and readers to join her. “This year, I was a panelist at Wondercon, the San Diego Writers Festival, and Malice Domestic in April. I will attend Bouchercon in September, and the Burbank Book Festival.” On April 12th, Elle was a guest panelist for the Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers chapter on the topic of “Conquering the Challenges Writers Face, Today!”
“It would be great to know whenever fellow writers and readers will be at conferences and events. If you’ll be there, please let me know, as I’d love to meet up. I also do book club visits, so if you want me to join your circle of readers, simply reach out via my website and social media. It’s FREE.”
Elle is an active member of the Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers chapter, the national Sisters in Crime organization, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers. She lives in Southern California with her husband and two sons, along the coast of San Diego County, which serves as the backdrop for her Suddenly French Mystery series.
