Picture a Sherlockian scholar spinning modern mysteries with a poetic twist—meet Brittany Cavallaro! This New York Times bestselling author has redefined young adult fiction with her thrilling Charlotte Holmes series, blending sharp detective work with the messy emotions of teenage life. A poet and novelist, Cavallaro’s unique voice and National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship highlight her as a literary force to watch.
From her Michigan home, where she lives with her husband, cats, and a golden retriever, Cavallaro crafts stories that hook readers with wit and heart. Her work doesn’t just entertain—it challenges how we see genius, especially when it’s a teenage girl solving crimes.
The Making of Brittany Cavallaro
Born with a love for stories, Brittany Cavallaro honed her craft through a BA in literature from Middlebury College, an MFA in poetry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a PhD in English literature from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her early fascination with Sherlock Holmes sparked a lifelong passion for detective fiction, which she later channeled into her novels. Teaching creative writing at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, Cavallaro draws on her own arts-focused education at the same school, inspiring the next generation of writers.
Her poetic roots run deep, with early success in collections like Girl-King, which won the Editor’s Choice for the 2013 Akron Poetry Prize. This blend of lyrical precision and narrative drive set the stage for her leap into young adult fiction, where she’d make her biggest mark.
Brittany Cavallaro’s Unforgettable Stories
Cavallaro’s Charlotte Holmes series, starting with A Study in Charlotte (2016), reimagines Sherlock Holmes and John Watson as teenage descendants—Charlotte, a brilliant but volatile girl genius, and Jamie, her loyal, heart-on-sleeve partner. Set at a Connecticut boarding school, the series follows their crime-solving adventures, weaving suspense, romance, and nods to Arthur Conan Doyle’s classics. Books like The Last of August, The Case for Jamie, and A Question of Holmes deepen their complex relationship, earning praise for sharp dialogue and emotional depth.
Beyond mysteries, Cavallaro explores historical fantasy in her Muse duology (Muse and Manifest), where a fierce heroine navigates a reimagined American monarchy. With Emily Henry, she co-wrote Hello Girls, a feminist road-trip thriller inspired by Thelma & Louise. Her latest, Sunrise Nights, a verse novel co-authored with Jeff Zentner, captures young love at an arts camp, showcasing her versatility. Cavallaro’s style—vivid, witty, and unflinchingly honest—tackles themes of identity, power, and resilience, often through flawed, fascinating female leads.
Her poetry, including Unhistorical, blends historical narratives with confessional intimacy, proving her range. Whether in prose or verse, Cavallaro’s work feels immersive, like stepping into a world where every detail crackles with purpose.
Why Brittany Cavallaro Matters
Brittany Cavallaro’s impact lies in her bold reimagination of beloved genres. By making Charlotte Holmes a teenage girl with Sherlock’s brilliance and burdens, she challenges stereotypes about female protagonists, crafting characters who are complex, not just likable. Her books, translated into a dozen languages and honored as ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults selections, resonate with teens and adults alike, sparking conversations about genius, friendship, and vulnerability.
As a poet and educator, Cavallaro bridges literary worlds, mentoring young writers while pushing creative boundaries. Her ability to blend mystery, fantasy, and raw emotion ensures her stories linger, making her a standout in young adult literature.
- Key Works: Charlotte Holmes series, Muse duology, Hello Girls, Sunrise Nights
- Awards: National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, Editor’s Choice for the 2013 Akron Poetry Prize
- Current Role: Creative writing instructor at Interlochen Arts Academy
Ready to unravel a mystery or lose yourself in a poetic tale? Snag A Study in Charlotte and dive into Brittany Cavallaro’s thrilling, heartfelt world!