Picture a storyteller who trades classrooms for high seas, weaving tales of mystery and adventure—meet Christine Kling! This American author has carved a niche in the thriller and mystery genres, blending her lifelong passion for sailing with gripping narratives. From the sun-soaked docks of Fort Lauderdale to the treacherous waters of the Caribbean, Kling’s stories pulse with nautical authenticity, drawing readers into worlds where danger lurks beneath the waves.
Born in Missoula, Montana, Kling’s journey to literary fame is as adventurous as her novels. With over three decades of sailing experience, she infuses her work with vivid details that only a seasoned captain could muster. Her Seychelle Sullivan series, featuring a fearless female tugboat captain, has captivated readers with its blend of suspense and maritime lore.
The Making of Christine Kling
Raised in Southern California, Kling’s love for the sea sparked early, steering a rented Lido 14 as a pre-teen. Her wanderlust led her to France as an exchange student and later to Mexico, before she settled in Florida. After earning an MFA in Creative Writing from Florida International University, Kling taught English but never strayed far from the water. Her two-year Caribbean sailing adventure with her family inspired her debut novel, Surface Tension, launched in 2002. As a single mother, she poured her earnings into her son’s education, balancing life as a boat captain and budding author.
Christine Kling’s Unforgettable Stories
Kling’s Seychelle Sullivan series, spanning five novels, anchors her reputation. Surface Tension introduces Seychelle, a Fort Lauderdale tugboat captain navigating murder and mayhem. Cross Current dives into human trafficking, with Seychelle protecting a Haitian girl from danger. Bitter End tackles Russian mobsters, while Wreckers’ Key and Mourning Tide deepen Seychelle’s saga with personal stakes. Readers praise Kling’s crisp plotting and vivid South Florida settings, which feel like a vacation with a side of suspense.
Beyond Seychelle, Kling’s Shipwreck Adventures series, starting with Circle of Bones, explores international intrigue. Featuring Maggie Riley, a former Marine and solo sailor, and Cole Thatcher, a maritime archaeologist, these thrillers chase lost WWII treasures across the Caribbean and Thailand. Kling’s short story collection, Sea Bitch, showcases nautical noir, with fierce women exacting revenge. Her style—taut, evocative, and steeped in sailing know-how—sets her apart in the mystery genre.
Why Christine Kling Matters
Kling’s impact lies in her ability to merge maritime expertise with compelling storytelling. Her heroines, like Seychelle and Maggie, challenge stereotypes, proving women can command both boats and narratives. By spotlighting Florida’s Haitian community and nautical culture, she enriches the mystery genre with diverse perspectives. Kling’s self-publishing ventures, like Sea Bitch, reflect her adaptability in a changing industry, inspiring aspiring authors to chart their own course.
Her nomadic life aboard her 52-foot sailboat, Learnativity, mirrors her stories’ adventurous spirit. Kling’s work resonates with readers who crave escapism, offering a ticket to high-stakes adventures without leaving the dock. Her influence endures in the hearts of thriller fans and sailors alike.
- Born: 1954, Missoula, Montana
- Key Works: Seychelle Sullivan series, Shipwreck Adventures series, Sea Bitch
- Notable: Holds a 100-ton Captain’s License for auxiliary sailboats
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Surface Tension and dive into Christine Kling’s world of nautical suspense!