A Lifelong Love of Mysteries and Meaning

Susan’s Story

Susan Gillard grew up in the heartland of America—Kansas City, Missouri—where the pace was slower, the neighbors knew your name, and stories were passed down with love. From a young age, Susan found comfort in curling up with a good mystery. Nancy Drew first sparked it, but it was the cozy little towns and quirky characters of later stories that made her heart sing.

As life moved on, Susan held tight to the things that gave her comfort: warm kitchens, friendly neighbors, and the thrill of solving a puzzle with people she cared about.

Today, she travels small towns across the country, always on the lookout for a warm donut and a friendly face. Every conversation, every café visit, inspires the next tale of Hillside—where everyone belongs and goodness always wins.

She writes not just to entertain, but to create a place where readers feel at home. A place you can visit when the world feels too noisy, too fast, or too disconnected.

Why I Write Stories

"I want to give you a cozy place to land"

"In a world that feels like things are moving fast, I believe in the power of good stories with good people. My books are a soft place to land—filled with kindness, connection, and comfort.

My books exist to remind you that small towns still matter, friendships still matter, and there’s beauty in the simple things: baking, laughter, neighbors who show up, and mysteries that don’t leave you feeling heavy.

If you’ve ever felt out of step with today’s world or longed for a time when people waved from their porches and helped their neighbors, Hillside is your haven.

My cozy mysteries are here to bring you home, one cozy page at a time."

-Susan Gillard

Stories That Truly Care About You

Susan doesn't  just write cozy mysteries—she wants to create companions for your quiet afternoons and late-night reads. Each book is carefully crafted to lift your spirits, ease your mind, and offer a familiar place to return to whenever you need it.

✨ Clean and Comforting: No gore, no harsh language—just heart, humor, and homegrown mystery.

✨ Built for Connection: Every book centers on community, friendship, and the kind of warmth that lasts.

✨ Inspired by Real Life: From Texas towns to friendly bakeries, every story is rooted in places and people that feel real.

✨ Written Just for You: Her stories are lovingly written with the reader in mind—especially those who want to feel seen, comforted, and included.

Our Values: The Heart Behind Every Page

At the center of everything we do is you—the reader who’s looking for more than just a book. Here’s what guides us:

• 🕊️ Comfort: Life is hard enough—our stories are a place to rest.

• 🌷 Belonging: Everyone needs a place where they feel understood. Hillside is that place.

• 🍩 Simple Joys: From donut recipes to gentle humor, we treasure life’s little pleasures.

• 📖 Hopeful Storytelling: No matter the twists, the good guys always win in the end.

• 🤝 Connection: We believe books can make us feel less alone—and sometimes, that’s everything.