EJ Kindred is a retired Oregon attorney who is delighted to have substituted writing mysteries for writing contracts. She’s always loved to write, and in her youth spent more time than she’ll admit writing terrible “Star Trek” scripts and even worse wild horse stories. In Harm’s Way (2019) was her first published novel and the first book in the Annie Velasquez mystery series. Its sequel, Family Secrets, was released in April 2024. EJ recently finished the first draft of the third instalment in the series, currently titled Aftermath. She has put it aside to let it ferment while she works on other projects. For instance, she decided to write a standalone novel, tentatively titled Getaway, but so far, that book is only some disorganized notes and random thoughts. It's as good a place to start as any.

Before In Harm's Way was published, EJ's short story “The Other Marie” appeared in the anthology entitled Time’s Rainbow: Writing Ourselves Back into American History (2017). The “other Marie” was Marie Equi, one of Oregon’s first women doctors, a crusader for humane working conditions, an anti-war activist who served time in San Quentin for sedition, and an unabashed lesbian at the turn of the 20th century.

When she’s not writing, EJ spends time with friends and takes care of her six cats, who take care of her in return. In addition, EJ likes to make quilts, some of which she donates to local animal rescue groups for fundraising. She has to, because she's already loaded up her friends and family with more quilts than they could possibly use. Her quilt UFO (unfinished object) pile is almost as big as her TBR (to be read) list. She also loves to travel. She's visiting Italy and Croatia in July 2025 and taking a cruise to Alaska in early 2026. Past trips include the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Japan, and several trips to Europe. She hasn't made it to Australia or New Zealand. Yet.

The background quilts featured throughout the website were all crafted by E.J.