As Francine Mathews she has written two series, one set in Nantucket featuring police officer Meredith "Merry" Folger, the latest in a long line of police officers in her family, including her father who is also her boss.
As Stephanie Barron (her middle and maiden names) Mathews has written historical novels featuring the English novelist Jane Austen (1775-1817) as amateur sleuth.