top of page

Mark Okrant

Mark Okrant is a prolific murder mystery writer with a focus on New England tourism settings: historic resorts, famous attractions, and trendy communities.

LATEST RELEASE BY MARK OKRANT

Website images (2).png

Old guys don’t always play nice. Lawrence Peters arrives at the historic Beachmere Inn in Ogunquit, Maine, with two simple goals: win the first ever regional ping pong tournament and save his crumbling marriage. But, when a fellow competitor is found brutally murdered at the start of the event, Peters’ plans—and his future—are thrown into chaos. As suspicion spreads and secrets surface, Peters must navigate old rivalries, his rocky marriage, and a relentless investigation. 

Books

BOOKS

5372afd3-198f-43a1-b2b9-1c226019fe88.jpg
51mZEAax-SL._SY466_.jpg
51myEbJJw9L._SY445_SX342_.jpg

A Killer Serve

Old guys don’t always play nice. Lawrence Peters arrives at the historic Beachmere Inn in Ogunquit, Maine, with two simple goals: win the first ever regional ping pong tournament and save his crumbling marriage. But, when a fellow competitor is found brutally murdered at the start of the event, Peters’ plans—and his future—are thrown into chaos. As suspicion spreads and secrets surface, Peters must navigate old rivalries, his rocky marriage, and a relentless investigation.

A Last Resort

The story of three lives that become entwined during forty tension-filled hours at a resort hotel in northern New Hampshire explores the measures people will take when faced with the potential loss of what they hold most dear.

Murder at the Grands

​Features a full  length novella with mystery sleuth, Kary Turnell, on the case of crimes at iconic resorts: the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods and the Mountain View Grand in Whitefield.

91pttg4hvtL._SL1500_.jpg
71vjQErCixL._SL1500_.jpg
71BvInQFe1L._SL1500_.jpg

Whacked

 When a guest at a prep school reunion is found dead on the resort's golf course, Kary joins the investigation, while the body count multiplies.

A Thief in the House

​A murder and theft of artifacts takes Kary and team from New Hampshire's oldest golf course to its state house and the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.

One Track Mind

​Newly named commissioner of the New Hampshire Task Force for Visitor Safety Kary Turnell has a murder to investigate at the famed Cog Railway at Mt. Washington.

41ps8SqqguL.jpg

Murder Times Three

A collection of three short murder mysteries featuring investigator Kary Turnell that takes readers to NH's scenic Lake Winnipesaukee, the old millyard of Manchester, and the campus of the University of New Hampshire in Durham.

41Ej5PPP1vL._SY445_SX342_.jpg

Death By Lobster 

A Kary Turner mystery set in Ogunquit and Wells, Maine.

51cySrhWiSL.jpg

Two If By Sea

Two mysteries featuring New England tourism sleuth Kary Turnell as he investigates murders in the seaside communities of New London, Connecticut, and Rincon, Puerto Rico.

71rQF8wZFpL._SL1500_.jpg

The Justice Seeker

(1980's Historical Fiction)

Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century Flagstaff, Arizona, a Western coming-of-age tale unfolds, blending Hopi mysticism, Jewish rituals, and a formidable supernatural force, exploring a time when settlers encroached upon Hopi lands and resolved conflicts through violence.

41L+Hysm3YL.jpg

An Icy Reception

(Set in the Arctic,

Available on Kindle Only)

Professor and former crime reporter, Kary Turnell, embarks on an Arctic cruise aboard the MS Explorer, where a passenger is murdered, and Kary must solve the case before the ship docks, all while mending his strained relationship with his daughter. 

61T-3ZXUAuL._SY445_SX342_.jpg

No Vacancy: The Rise, Demise, and Reprise of America's Motels (Non-Fiction)

​No Vacancy offers an optimistic perspective on preserving mid-20th-century motels through interviews, photographs, and case studies along historic routes like Route 66.

REVIEWS

"

Mark Okrant does an outstanding job of creating a mystery that takes place at an actual resort . . . his books blend quality writing, believable characters, proficient plot building . . . not to mention the scenery.

"

The Justice Seeker is filled with heart, humor, a multitude of twists and characters that you will remember long after you finish reading. Mark Okrant has written a book that should be read by any reader with a taste for quality. I guarantee you will want to read it more than once and share it with friends.

"

I enjoyed every word. The story is intriguing and keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. And, for once, I didn't guess the ending! A good mystery - well done.

J.L. CAMPBELL, AUTHOR AND HUMORIST

PAUL BROGAN, PROLIFIC AWARD-WINNING WRITER 

JANE HOLMES,
5 STAR AMAZON REVIEW

In The Press

ABOUT MARK

IMG_0405 (1).jpg

MARK OKRANT is the author of fifteen books, including the beloved Kary Turnell mystery series, praised for its geographic settings and surprising twists.

 

He is a professor emeritus of geography and tourism, and past president of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, a leading global organization for tourism researchers.

​

Mark first discovered his talent in writing mystery novels when he created a mystery textbook for his students.

He has conducted tourism research in New Hampshire, Maine, South Dakota, Alaska, Canada, Romania, and Puerto Rico. His articles have been read in magazines and newspapers for the past thirty years.

 

An avid traveler, Mark is also passionate about collecting Inuit art, watching classic westerns, playing golf, and table tennis, and most importantly, spending as much time as possible with his family.

Bio

No events at the moment

News and Events

Book Mark for His Insider Knowledge

Mark frequently can be found at bookstores, educational facilities, area organizations, and libraries to discuss his writing and work in tourism.

 

Visit his event page to browse upcoming events or connect with him to schedule a new event. 

Thanks dropping a line!

A great whodunit novel keeps you guessing right up until the very end. That's the fun of reading murder mystery and detective novels. With every page, Mark stays ahead of his readers, while leaving a trail of clues to follow.

Social Sounds Thrilling! Follow Mark's Trail of Clues

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
Contact
© 2025 Mark Okrant. All rights reserved.
bottom of page