Meet the Author

Michelle L. Clifton

Michelle L. Clifton is the author of the Taryn O’Kelly series, which mixes laugh-out-loud humor, steamy romance, and gripping mysteries. Her books are perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich and Kyra Davis, offering a modern twist on cozy mysteries with amateur sleuth Taryn O’Kelly at the helm.

Michelle Clifton was raised in Southwest Colorado in the great valleys of the Rocky Mountains. There she married the love of her life, and raised two beautiful kids, a cat, two dogs, and chickens! She has worked in the dental field, dance and theater industry, athletics, and event coordinating. She created Salty Inspirations to pursue her passion for writing.

However, her favorite job is being MOM. Three years ago, her family made a major move to Cape Coral, Florida, just in time for Hurricane Ian. When not crafting tales of intrigue, Michelle can be found spending time with her family hiking and camping in Colorado and boating and beaching in Florida. Oh! And writing of course!

Michelle's Passions

Michelle grew up in a small town in Colorado, where her family spent much of their time outdoors—camping, hiking, hunting, and boating. After moving to Florida a few years ago, she traded mountain adventures for coastal life, enjoying kayaking, boating, beach days, and swimming.

Family has always been at the heart of everything Michelle does. Her husband, an avid outdoorsman, introduced her to hunting—something that still surprises her dad to this day. Her children, now grown, kept her busy with their passions—her son excelling in sports and her daughter thriving in dance and theater. No matter what they wanted to try, Michelle was always right there with them.

Beyond family and the great outdoors, she loves puzzles, board games, reading, writing and, of course, coffee—lots of coffee! She also has a deep appreciation for healthy living, a passion that grew from her own journey managing chronic health conditions. Whether sharing nutritious recipes or simple wellness tips, she believes in making small, sustainable choices that help people feel their best.

This love for balance, between adventure and self-care, mystery and laughter, is reflected in her books. With fast-paced plots, strong heroines, and a touch of humor, Michelle’s stories offer readers an escape that’s as enjoyable as it is engaging.

Michelle's Goals

Michelle strives to create stories that make readers feel like part of the Silver Springs family. Immersed in the town’s charm, invested in its characters, and eager to return with each new book. She wants her readers to not only enjoy the mystery and romance but to feel a true connection, as if they’re solving crimes alongside Taryn O’Kelly and her friends.

She writes for busy people who crave a fun, engaging escape, readers who love mystery and romance but prefer fast-paced plots over lengthy descriptions or heavy themes. Her books deliver compelling whodunits with strong, capable heroines, a touch of humor, and just the right amount of romance to keep readers hooked.

Her latest novel, Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses, delivers an entertaining mystery with a fearless protagonist, unexpected twists, and a plot that doesn’t slow down. Taryn O’Kelly doesn’t just stumble into danger—it follows her, forcing her to confront both her past and a string of suspicious deaths. Readers who enjoy a strong female lead, an intriguing mystery, and a satisfying conclusion will find exactly what they’re looking for.

Fans of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series or Kyra Davis’s Sophie Katz mysteries will love Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses, where humor, romance, and mystery blend into an exhilarating read. With the help of her friends, Taryn narrowly escapes trouble and somehow manages to solve a series of murders along the way.