Picture a New York storyteller who swapped corporate tech for gripping mysteries and heartfelt romances—meet Catherine Maiorisi! This late-blooming author found her creative spark after years of believing she was the 'only lesbian in New York City without imagination.' Her journey from tech consultant to acclaimed writer of the Chiara Corelli mystery series and standalone romances is a testament to perseverance and the magic of unexpected paths.
The Making of Catherine Maiorisi
Catherine Maiorisi spent decades in New York’s corporate technology world, climbing the ranks before running her own consulting company in the 1970s and 1980s. Surrounded by artistic friends, she often lamented her lack of creativity, convinced she had no talent for writing, music, or acting. But in her later years, inspiration struck. A short story written to flesh out a character’s backstory ignited her passion, leading to her first published work and a new career. Now, she writes in her Upper West Side apartment or Catskills home, often under the imagined gaze of Edgar Allan Poe at a nearby café.
Catherine Maiorisi’s Unforgettable Stories
Maiorisi’s writing blends gritty crime dramas with tender romances, often featuring complex lesbian protagonists. Her Chiara Corelli Mystery series, starting with A Matter of Blood (2018), follows NYPD Detective Chiara Corelli, a veteran battling trauma and a hostile police force, alongside her partner P.J. Parker. The series, praised for its layered characters and intricate plots, includes titles like The Blood Runs Cold (2019) and Legacy in the Blood (2022), with Blood of the Innocents released in 2024. Her romances, like Matters of the Heart (2016), explore healing and love, born from characters who 'chatted' in her head at night. Maiorisi’s style weaves vivid New York settings, emotional depth, and sharp dialogue, earning her Lambda Literary Award finalist nods.
Her standalone novel, The Disappearance of Lindy James, a Goldie Award winner, ventures into general fiction, showcasing her versatility. Short stories, like 'The Fan Club' in Best Lesbian Romance 2014, highlight her knack for compact, heartfelt narratives. Whether crafting a murder mystery or a slow-burn romance, Maiorisi’s work resonates with authenticity and personal growth.
Why Catherine Maiorisi Matters
Catherine Maiorisi’s impact lies in her authentic portrayal of lesbian characters and her ability to bridge mystery and romance with emotional truth. Her stories tackle heavy themes—trauma, prejudice, redemption—while celebrating resilience and love. As a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Romance Writers of America, she’s a vibrant voice in the literary community. Her late start inspires aspiring writers, proving creativity can bloom at any age. For readers, her books offer thrilling escapes and heartfelt connections, making her a hidden gem in modern fiction.
- Key Works: Chiara Corelli Mystery series, Matters of the Heart, The Disappearance of Lindy James
- Awards: Lambda Literary Award Finalist (2019, 2020), Goldie Award Winner (2020)
- Fun Fact: She loves cooking Italian dishes and reading across genres, from sci-fi to political non-fiction.
Snag A Matter of Blood or Matters of the Heart and dive into Catherine Maiorisi’s thrilling, heartfelt world of mystery and romance!