WHERE SHE LIVES: A 6,000-square-foot 1914 Greek revival in southeast Portland she shares with her husband, 6-year-old daughter and two Boston Terriers. 

HOUSE HORROR BOUGHT: Purchased in 2007 with the advance for her Gretchen Lowell crime series, all three New York Times and international bestsellers. “Look at the Japanese edition. Blood-stained and adorable!” The Night Season, released March 2011, landed rave revues and more lists. 

SCENE OF THE CRIME WRITER: Red sofa, gold chairs and window treatments came with the house. The rest is an eclectic personal mix including everything from $5 folding chairs, $15,000 painting, massive classroom globe and new ottoman upholstered with vintage rug.

EVIL AT HEART: Previous homeowners lovingly restored and refinished all woodwork to natural state. Next owners painted it glossy white. “The neighbors couldn’t wait to tell us that.”

NOVEL CHARACTERS: Once awoke to find a visiting brother-in-law had rearranged the living room furniture as a joke. “We’re lazy. We went with it.” 

SWEETHEART: Her childhood Nancy Drew books sit on a shelf next to her husband’s Hardy Boys collection. 

WHODUNNITS: On the mantel are portraits of Bill Murray, actors from Harold and Maude, and scores by unknown artists found online. The Playboy magazine and bestsellers from her 1972 birthday were gifts from her husband.

PSST, WANNA BUY A RUG? Her secret source? A Craiglist vendor. “My connection. It feels slightly illicit.”