Picture an American storyteller who digs up mysteries from the past and weaves them into thrilling tales—meet Dana Cameron! Born in 1965 in New England, this archaeologist-turned-author blends her passion for history with gripping crime fiction and urban fantasy. Her award-winning Emma Fielding series and Fangborn novels have captivated readers, earning her a sparkling reputation in the mystery world.
With a knack for uncovering secrets—both in the dirt and on the page—Cameron’s stories are as layered as the archaeological sites she’s explored. Let’s dive into her journey, from dusty digs to dazzling prose, and discover why her work continues to enchant.
The Making of Dana Cameron
Raised in Massachusetts, Dana Cameron’s love for archaeology bloomed early, sparked by books and travel that opened her eyes to cultural differences. She honed her craft as a historical archaeologist, specializing in British and New England history from 1607 to 1760. Her fieldwork, unearthing stories from forgotten lives, inspired her to trade trowels for typewriters. By 2002, she’d launched her writing career with Site Unseen, the first Emma Fielding mystery, proving her knack for storytelling was as sharp as her archaeological eye.
Now living in Beverly, Massachusetts, with her husband and ‘benevolent feline overlords,’ Cameron credits her quiet life for grounding her vivid imagination. Her quirky perspective and eye for detail—honed by years of sifting through history—infuse her stories with authenticity and charm.
Dana Cameron’s Unforgettable Stories
Cameron’s Emma Fielding series, spanning six novels from Site Unseen (2002) to Ashes and Bones (2006), follows a brilliant archaeologist and amateur sleuth solving crimes in fictional New England towns. Each book intertwines archaeological research with modern mysteries, exploring how the past shapes the present. Grave Consequences (2002), set in a fictional English town, showcases Cameron’s ability to craft suspense across continents. These novels, adapted into Hallmark Movies & Mysteries films, have delighted fans with their smart, driven heroine.
In her Fangborn urban fantasy series, starting with Seven Kinds of Hell (2013), Cameron introduces Zoe Miller, an archaeologist grappling with her werewolf identity. This series, including Hellbender (2015), blends supernatural thrills with historical depth, earning praise from authors like Charlaine Harris for its fresh take on vampires and werewolves. Cameron’s short stories, like ‘Mischief in Mesopotamia’ (2012), also shine, winning Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards and a nod for the Edgar.
Her writing style—crisp, witty, and richly detailed—reflects her archaeological precision. Whether crafting colonial noir or supernatural sagas, Cameron asks ‘what if?’ to explore how culture and personality drive behavior, making her characters feel like old friends (or foes).
Why Dana Cameron Matters
Dana Cameron’s impact stretches beyond her bookshelves. Her Emma Fielding series has inspired readers to see archaeology as a lens for solving modern puzzles, while her Fangborn novels have reinvigorated urban fantasy with gritty, grounded heroes. Her awards—multiple Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity honors—underscore her influence in crime fiction, and her mentorship through organizations like Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America nurtures new talent.
By blending her scholarly roots with genre storytelling, Cameron bridges the gap between academia and entertainment, proving that history’s whispers can fuel page-turning adventures. Her work invites readers to unearth their own curiosity about the past.
- Born: 1965, New England
- Key Works: Site Unseen, Seven Kinds of Hell, Hellbender
- Awards: Agatha, Anthony, Macavity Awards; Edgar Award nominee
- Fun Fact: Several Emma Fielding novels became Hallmark movies!
Snag Site Unseen or Seven Kinds of Hell and dive into Dana Cameron’s thrilling blend of mystery and history—you’ll be hooked!