Picture an American storyteller weaving 18th-century mysteries with the precision of a librarian’s catalog—meet Eleanor Kuhns! A lifelong librarian turned award-winning author, Kuhns crafts historical fiction and mystery novels that transport readers to post-Revolutionary War America. Her Will Rees series, blending meticulous research with gripping whodunits, has captivated fans since her 2011 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel win.
With a master’s in Library Science from Columbia University, Kuhns brings a scholar’s eye to her storytelling, making the past feel as vivid as the present. Her unique blend of historical detail and amateur sleuthing has earned her a devoted following among mystery and historical fiction lovers alike.
The Making of Eleanor Kuhns
Born with a passion for stories, Eleanor Kuhns wrote her first tale at age ten and never looked back. Growing up on a farm in Pocatello, Idaho, until age seven, she learned to milk cows and churn butter, experiences that later infused her writing with authentic rural textures. Her career as a librarian, culminating as Assistant Director at Goshen Public Library in Orange County, New York, honed her research skills, which became the backbone of her historical mysteries. Winning the 2011 Minotaur Books competition with A Simple Murder marked her leap from library stacks to literary stardom.
Eleanor Kuhns’s Unforgettable Stories
Kuhns’s Will Rees series, set in the late 18th century, follows William 'Will' Rees, a Revolutionary War veteran and traveling weaver turned reluctant detective. A Simple Murder (2012), the series debut, introduces Rees in a Maine Shaker community, unraveling a murder amid complex family dynamics. Its vivid depiction of Shaker life and taut mystery earned critical acclaim. Death of a Dyer (2013) deepens Rees’s character as he investigates a friend’s murder, weaving in the art of dyeing. Cradle to Grave (2014) tackles a chilling case involving a murdered woman and a falsely accused Shaker, showcasing Kuhns’s knack for blending social issues with suspense. The Shaker Murders (2018) sees Rees navigating bizarre accidents in Zion, Maine, with nightmares haunting his quest for truth.
Kuhns’s style is a masterclass in balance: her gentle prose contrasts with brutal murders, evoking Agatha Christie’s classic mysteries. Her settings, from Maine’s rugged farms to Salem’s bustling docks, are characters in their own right, grounded in meticulous research. Beyond the Will Rees series, Kuhns explores Bronze Age Crete in her Ancient Crete mysteries, like In the Shadow of the Bull (2023), proving her versatility in bringing ancient cultures to life.
Why Eleanor Kuhns Matters
Eleanor Kuhns has carved a niche in historical mystery by making the 18th century accessible and thrilling. Her focus on everyday trades—weaving, dyeing, barrel-making—illuminates forgotten corners of American history, educating readers while keeping them on edge. Her portrayal of complex characters, like the principled yet flawed Will Rees, resonates with modern audiences, bridging past and present. Kuhns’s influence extends to inspiring aspiring authors, showing how a librarian’s curiosity can spark a literary legacy.
- Won the 2011 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award.
- Authored 11 Will Rees mysteries and two Ancient Crete mysteries.
- Master’s in Library Science from Columbia University.
- Avid handweaver, inspiring her protagonist’s trade.
About Eleanor Kuhns
Ready to step into the 18th century with a gripping mystery? Snag A Simple Murder and dive into Eleanor Kuhns’s world of historical whodunits!