Picture a storyteller who spun post-war London into a tapestry of wit, intrigue, and charm—meet Allison Montclair! Known for the beloved Sparks and Bainbridge mystery series, Montclair, the pseudonym of Alan Gordon, crafts historical mysteries that pulse with 1940s flair. Her tales of two women running a marriage bureau amid the rubble of World War II have hooked readers with their sharp dialogue and vivid settings.
With a childhood steeped in Agatha Christie paperbacks and James Bond flicks, Montclair’s love for crime and espionage was inevitable. Her knack for blending historical accuracy with lively characters has made her a standout in historical fiction, inviting readers to step into a bygone era where mysteries unfold with every turn.
The Making of Allison Montclair
Allison Montclair is the pen name of Alan Gordon, a New York City-based writer with a flair for historical tales. Growing up, Gordon devoured classic mysteries and spy stories, which fueled a lifelong passion for crafting intricate plots. Before donning the Montclair mantle, he wrote the Fools’ Guild mysteries and worked as a criminal defense attorney, librettist, and lyricist. His diverse background infuses his writing with a unique blend of legal savvy, theatrical flair, and historical curiosity.
The idea for the Sparks and Bainbridge series sparked when Gordon’s editor suggested a mystery set in a 1930s London marriage bureau. On his way home, the voices of Iris Sparks and Gwendolyn Bainbridge—two fiercely independent women—came alive in his mind, demanding their story be told. Thus, Allison Montclair was born, a pseudonym chosen to evoke the era and let the books shine on their own.
Allison Montclair’s Unforgettable Stories
Montclair’s Sparks and Bainbridge series, starting with The Right Sort of Man (2019), follows Iris Sparks, a former intelligence operative, and Gwendolyn Bainbridge, a war widow, as they run The Right Sort Marriage Bureau in 1946 London. When a client is murdered, their matchmaking turns to sleuthing, unraveling secrets with wit and grit. Praised as a “stellar debut” by Publishers Weekly, it sets the tone for the series’ blend of humor and heart.
A Royal Affair (2020) sees the duo tackling royal blackmail, weaving espionage and romance into a thrilling plot. The Unkept Woman (2022) delves into Iris’s spy past, while Murder at the White Palace (2024) uncovers gangland secrets. Montclair’s style—marked by snappy dialogue, rich historical detail, and complex female leads—echoes Dorothy Sayers and Jacqueline Winspear, earning starred reviews and a devoted following.
Her meticulous research, from 1946 London bus maps to post-war slang, grounds each story in authenticity. Montclair’s ability to balance cozy mystery charm with deeper themes, like women’s independence and war’s lasting scars, makes her work resonate with modern readers.
Why Allison Montclair Matters
Allison Montclair has carved a niche in historical mysteries by spotlighting women’s resilience in a transformative era. Her heroines, Iris and Gwen, defy post-war constraints, offering a fresh lens on 1940s Britain. The series’ blend of humor, heart, and historical insight has earned accolades, including the American Library Association’s Best Mystery of 2019 for The Right Sort of Man. Fans cherish the duo’s friendship, likening it to a literary Nick and Nora Charles.
Montclair’s impact extends beyond entertainment, illuminating lesser-known corners of history—like the role of marriage bureaus in rebuilding society. Her growing series, now at seven books with An Excellent Thing in a Woman (2025), promises more adventures, cementing her legacy as a master of witty, immersive mysteries.
- Pseudonym of Alan Gordon, a New York City writer.
- Key works: The Right Sort of Man, A Royal Affair, Murder at the White Palace.
- Award: American Library Association’s Best Mystery of 2019 for The Right Sort of Man.
About Allison Montclair
Snag The Right Sort of Man and dive into Allison Montclair’s dazzling world of post-war intrigue—your next favorite mystery awaits!