Picture a Kentucky-born storyteller who traded a stethoscope for a quill, weaving tales of 18th-century Venice that pulse with intrigue and music—meet Beverle Graves Myers! A former psychiatrist turned bestselling author, Myers crafts historical mysteries that transport readers to a decadent world of opera and secrets, with her beloved Tito Amato series stealing the spotlight.
Her knack for blending meticulous research with vibrant storytelling has earned her nominations for prestigious awards and a loyal following. Ready to dive into a world where castrato singers solve murders? Let’s explore Myers’s fascinating journey!
The Making of Beverle Graves Myers
Born on March 31, 1951, in Louisville, Kentucky, Beverle Graves Myers grew up with a love for stories and a curious mind that always asked “why.” She studied history at the University of Louisville before earning an MD and specializing in psychiatry. After a decade in public mental health, Myers found the field more compelling in theory than practice. Inspired by her passion for opera, Italy, and Agatha Christie’s mysteries, she made a bold midlife leap to writing, a move she says improved her own mental health!
Beverle Graves Myers’s Unforgettable Stories
Myers’s signature work is the Tito Amato series, a six-book saga set in the dazzling, decadent Venice of the 1700s. The series follows Tito Amato, a castrato opera singer with a golden voice and a knack for sleuthing. In Interrupted Aria (2004), Tito returns to Venice in 1731, only to face a poisoning scandal that threatens his friends and the opera house. Painted Veil (2005) sees him tackling a murder case to reclaim his stardom, while Cruel Music (2006) takes him to Rome amid papal politics and dark secrets. The series culminates with Whispers of Vivaldi (2014), where Tito unravels rumors of a lost Vivaldi opera.
Myers’s style is a rich tapestry of historical detail, vivid characters, and intricate plots. Her Venice feels alive, from the glitter of carnival masks to the shadowy canals. She masterfully weaves opera culture and the unique perspective of a castrato protagonist, making Tito both empathetic and compelling. Beyond the series, Myers co-authored Face of the Enemy with Joanne Dobson, a standalone mystery set in World War II-era New York, showcasing her versatility. Her short stories, often dipping into sci-fi and horror, have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine and earned her a 2006 Million Writers Award for “Haven City.”
Why Beverle Graves Myers Matters
Beverle Graves Myers has carved a unique niche in historical mysteries, bringing 18th-century Venice to life with authenticity and flair. Her work shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked world of castrati, blending cultural history with gripping narratives. Nominated for the Macavity, Derringer, and Kentucky Literary Awards, Myers has inspired readers and writers to explore the intersection of music, history, and mystery. Her ability to reinvent herself—from psychiatrist to novelist—reminds us it’s never too late to chase a passion.
- Born: March 31, 1951, Louisville, Kentucky
- Key Works: Tito Amato series, Face of the Enemy
- Awards: Nominated for Macavity, Derringer, Kentucky Literary Awards; won 2006 Million Writers Award
- Fun Fact: Her beagle-basset hound, Carlo, is named after the famous castrato Farinelli!
Snag Interrupted Aria and dive into Beverle Graves Myers’s spellbinding world of Venetian intrigue and operatic drama!