Picture an Iowa-born wordsmith who turned Barack Obama and Joe Biden into crime-fighting pals—meet Andrew Shaffer! This New York Times bestselling author has carved a niche with his sharp wit, genre-blending humor, and a knack for transforming the absurd into heartfelt stories. From political satire to horror-comedy, Shaffer’s books are a rollercoaster of laughs and surprises that keep readers hooked.
Born in 1978, Shaffer’s journey from small-town Iowa to literary stardom is as eclectic as his bibliography. With a penchant for comedy and a love for pop culture, he’s become a master of parody and mystery, weaving tales that are both wildly entertaining and oddly touching.
The Making of Andrew Shaffer
Andrew Shaffer grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where his early love for storytelling took root through humorous short stories. After a summer at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, he honed his comedic chops at Chicago’s The Second City, a famed improv school. Shaffer’s early career was a mix of odd jobs—think book reviews for RT Book Reviews and snarky columns for the Huffington Post—before he struck gold with his debut book, Great Philosophers Who Failed at Love, a humorous nonfiction dive into thinkers’ romantic flops.
His big break came under the pen name Fanny Merkin with Fifty Shames of Earl Grey, a riotous parody of Fifty Shades of Grey. This cheeky bestseller set the stage for Shaffer’s signature style: blending satire, pop culture, and unexpected heart. Now living in Louisville, Kentucky, with his wife, novelist Meg Shaffer, he teaches at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, mentoring aspiring writers.
Andrew Shaffer’s Unforgettable Stories
Shaffer’s bibliography is a playground of genres, from mystery to horror to poetry. His Obama Biden Mystery series, starting with Hope Never Dies (2018), is a standout, imagining the former president and vice president as a detective duo tackling murder and mayhem. The series, including Hope Rides Again and Feel the Bern, mixes noir thrills with laugh-out-loud banter, earning praise for its clever take on friendship and public service.
Under the Fanny Merkin pseudonym, Fifty Shames of Earl Grey (2012) skewers romance tropes with absurd humor, following tycoon Earl Grey and naïve Anna Steal through a world of BDSM (Bards, Dragons, Sorcery, and Magick, naturally). Shaffer’s horror-comedy Secret Santa (2020) channels the 1980s publishing boom, blending Stephen King-esque chills with workplace satire. His nonfiction, like Literary Rogues: A Scandalous History of Wayward Authors (2013), offers witty insights into the lives of rebellious writers, from Oscar Wilde to Hemingway.
Known for his playful tone and cultural commentary, Shaffer’s writing dances between irreverence and sincerity. Whether it’s a presidential bromance or a demonic Secret Santa gift, his stories are packed with quirky characters and sharp dialogue that resonate with fans of Carl Hiaasen and SNL-style humor.
Why Andrew Shaffer Matters
Andrew Shaffer’s impact lies in his ability to make readers laugh while sneaking in deeper themes about friendship, resilience, and the absurdity of modern life. His Obama Biden series has become a cultural touchstone, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on two iconic figures. By blending genres, he’s carved out a space for readers who crave smart, funny escapes that don’t skimp on heart.
As a five-time Goodreads Choice Award nominee, Shaffer’s work has been optioned for film and TV, hinting at broader influence. His illustrations, featured in Heavy Metal and children’s books like Mothman’s Merry Cryptid Christmas, show his versatility. In an era of distraction, Shaffer’s stories remind us of the joy of a good, weird tale.
- Born: November 9, 1978, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Key Works: Hope Never Dies, Fifty Shames of Earl Grey, Secret Santa, Literary Rogues
- Awards: Two-time Goodreads Choice Award finalist (Humor)
- Fun Fact: Founder of Order of St. Nick, a greeting card company
Ready for a literary adventure? Snag Hope Never Dies and dive into Andrew Shaffer’s hilarious, heartwarming world of mystery and satire!