The Birth of a Modern Detective Legend
On a quiet morning in Panama, with the ocean breeze drifting through his study, Logan Bahr, known to close readers as Gregory Kitzmiller, typed the final line of Murder in Eagle Cove. It was a defining moment, not just for the fictional Detective Larry Saunders, but for the author himself. What began as an idea to merge the intrigue of classic crime fiction with the heart of small-town storytelling quickly evolved into a bestselling series praised for its sharp twists, authentic characters, and cinematic pacing.
From Michigan Roots to Panama Shores
Born and raised in Michigan, Bahr’s path to authorship is as dynamic as the worlds he creates. A graduate of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids with a Bachelor of Science in Management, he first made his mark in nonfiction. Under his real name, Gregory Kitzmiller, he penned 2 Retire In Panama?, a guide that earned a “Distinguished Favorite” recognition from the NYC Big Book Award in 2020. His follow-up, Retired in Panama, continued to inspire readers seeking adventure abroad.
But beneath his success as an author and expatriate voice, a lifelong love for mysteries simmered. In 2020, Bahr decided it was time to explore that passion fully. Drawing from his fascination with the detective greats, Michael Connelly, Patricia Cornwell, and Dan Brown, he created Detective Larry Saunders: a grounded, intuitive investigator whose calm persistence uncovers dark secrets hidden in the quaint town of Eagle Cove.
The Detective Larry Saunders Mystery Series: Suspense With Substance
The Detective Larry Saunders Mystery Series has become a hallmark of intelligent suspense. Starting with Murder in Eagle Cove, followed by Mayhem in Eagle Cove and the latest release, Malfeasance in Eagle Cove, Bahr’s storytelling stands apart for its emotional realism. His characters aren’t superheroes, they’re human, compassionate, and flawed.
“Readers don’t just want a mystery,” Bahr says. “They want to care about the people inside it.”
That emotional authenticity has drawn readers who crave a break from formulaic thrillers. Each book blends clever crime-solving with a sense of moral depth, reminding fans why the genre endures.
A Partnership That Sharpens Every Page
Behind every gripping mystery lies precision, and for Bahr, that comes with collaboration. His editor, bestselling novelist Jonas Saul, pushes him to “put action on every page.” It’s a challenge Bahr embraces wholeheartedly. The result? Books that pulse with tension yet remain grounded in human connection.
His writing process mirrors the teamwork of his fictional detectives. “Logan presents a mild-mannered cast who collaborate and work as a team to solve the crime,” Saul notes. “That’s what makes his work stand out, his detectives don’t just chase clues; they chase understanding.”
A Life Rich in Experience
Beyond the page, Bahr and his wife Jen have built an enviable life of adventure and discovery. Now residing near the beach in Coronado, Republic of Panama, they retired in their late fifties, a lifestyle many dream about but few achieve. Together, they’ve explored nearly every country in South America, the Caribbean, and beyond, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Mediterranean coastlines of Greece and Italy.
Those experiences infuse his writing with authenticity. The cultures, conversations, and characters he encounters often find subtle expression in his novels. “Every new country, every person we meet, it all becomes part of the next story,” he reflects.
From Blogger to Bestseller
Before his fiction fame, Bahr connected with readers through a popular blog and weekly newsletter, helping hundreds of retirees find fulfillment in Panama. His approachable writing style and genuine voice made him a trusted guide for those seeking a new life overseas. That same storytelling intuition now powers his novels, turning readers into lifelong fans.
And while his audience grows, Bahr remains humble. He’s quick to credit his editor, his readers, and the legacy of classic detective fiction that inspired him. His tone, though confident, carries the steady warmth of someone who writes not for accolades, but for connection.
What Sets Logan Bahr Apart
In an era when thrillers often lean on shock value, Bahr’s work stands out for its balance of suspense and sincerity. His characters collaborate instead of compete, and his pacing builds organically rather than relying on gimmicks. Readers describe his novels as “intimate thrillers”, where every clue feels earned, and every revelation hits close to home.
By blending the intellectual intrigue of Dan Brown with the human depth of Patricia Cornwell and the momentum of Jonas Saul, Bahr has carved a place all his own in contemporary mystery fiction.
The Next Chapter
As Malfeasance in Eagle Cove captivates readers, Bahr is already at work on the next installment. Fans can expect the same heart-pounding tension, grounded characters, and unexpected twists that define the Detective Larry Saunders Mystery Series.
“I write because I love the chase, the chase for truth, for justice, and for understanding the human heart,” Bahr says. “That’s what keeps me coming back to the keyboard.”
Step Into Eagle Cove
For readers craving mystery that matters, where every clue reveals not just a crime, but a character worth knowing, Logan Bahr delivers. Discover why fans compare his work to the masters of the genre, and immerse yourself in the world of Detective Larry Saunders.
Explore his books and upcoming releases at loganbahr-author.com, or follow his journey on Facebook, and TikTok.
For reviews and reader discussions, visit Goodreads or find his latest titles on Amazon.
