Picture a California-born storyteller with royal European roots, spinning gripping mysteries that keep you up all night—meet Cheryl Bradshaw! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Bradshaw has captivated readers with her thrilling Sloane Monroe series, featuring a sassy, OCD-challenged private eye. From crafting bedtime tales for her sister to becoming a master of suspense, her journey is as intriguing as her novels.
The Making of Cheryl Bradshaw
Born in Covina, California, Cheryl Bradshaw grew up in Tehachapi, her imagination sparked by a childhood filled with fairy tales and Judy Blume novels. With a maiden name, Elsasser, hinting at German ancestry tied to English and French royalty, she carried a storyteller’s spirit from an early age. A high school teacher spotted her writing talent, nudging her toward a literary path. After studying English literature at Dixie State University and dabbling in real estate, Bradshaw found her true calling in 2011, publishing her debut novel, Black Diamond Death, and launching the Sloane Monroe series.
Cheryl Bradshaw’s Unforgettable Stories
Bradshaw’s Sloane Monroe series is the heart of her bibliography, blending mystery, thriller, and a touch of personal grit. In Black Diamond Death, Sloane, a tenacious private investigator, unravels a suspicious ski resort death in Park City, Utah, revealing her knack for spotting murder where others see accidents. Stranger in Town, a Shamus Award finalist, follows Sloane as she searches for a missing girl, weaving a chilling tale of abduction. Bed of Bones, a USA Today bestseller, dives into Park City’s dark past, uncovering secrets in a mine shaft. Her Georgiana Germaine series, like Little Girl Lost, adds emotional depth with family-driven mysteries. Bradshaw’s style—fast-paced, character-driven, and laced with psychological tension—reflects her OCD-challenged heroine, making her stories relatable yet electrifying.
With over 50 books across mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, and supernatural genres, Bradshaw’s versatility shines. As a member of The Twelve, an elite group of thriller writers, she collaborated on projects like the Flight 12 novella series, showcasing her ability to craft pulse-pounding narratives alongside peers like Joshua Graham and Gary Ponzo. Her vivid characters and surprising twists keep readers hooked, earning praise for their “taut timeline” and “spine-tingling” conclusions.
Why Cheryl Bradshaw Matters
Cheryl Bradshaw has redefined modern mystery with Sloane Monroe, a flawed yet fierce heroine who resonates with readers for her humanity and relentless drive. Her novels, often set in evocative locales like Utah and Australia, blend local history with universal themes of justice and loss. A Shamus Award finalist and eFestival of Words winner for best thriller, Bradshaw’s critical acclaim underscores her influence. Now living in tropical Cairns, Australia, she continues to inspire, proving that a storyteller’s spark can ignite a global fanbase.
- Born: Covina, California
- Key Works: Sloane Monroe series, Georgiana Germaine series
- Awards: Shamus Award finalist, eFestival of Words best thriller
- Fun Fact: She loves hiking rainforests and diving the Great Barrier Reef!
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Black Diamond Death and dive into Cheryl Bradshaw’s addictive mysteries!