Picture two sisters, one an artist, the other a historian, weaving thrilling mysteries under a single pen name—meet Hailey Lind! This dynamic duo, Juliet and Carolyn Blackwell, crafts cozy mysteries that plunge readers into the glamorous yet shady world of fine art. Their Art Lover’s Mystery series, starring the reformed art forger Annie Kincaid, blends clever plots with a love for paintings, forgeries, and San Francisco’s vibrant art scene, captivating readers with every twist.
The Making of Hailey Lind
Hailey Lind is the pseudonym of sisters Juliet Blackwell, an artist and muralist based in Oakland, California, and Carolyn Blackwell, a historian teaching in Norfolk, Virginia. Juliet’s years running a faux-finishing and design business gave her insider knowledge of the art world, while Carolyn’s academic background in American women’s history added depth to their storytelling. The sisters, living on opposite coasts, turned their long-distance road trip debates over story ideas into a collaborative writing process, emailing drafts and hashing out plots over marathon phone calls.
Hailey Lind’s Unforgettable Stories
The Art Lover’s Mystery series is Hailey Lind’s crown jewel, following Annie Kincaid, a former art forger trying to go legit as a muralist in San Francisco. In Feint of Art (2006), Annie’s past catches up when she spots a fake Caravaggio—painted by her grandfather—in a museum, sparking a murder mystery. Shooting Gallery (2006) ups the ante with a stolen Chagall and a corpse posing as a sculpture. Brush with Death (2007) sees Annie chasing a potentially authentic Raphael painting in a creepy columbarium, blending art history with eerie thrills. Arsenic and Old Paint (2010) rounds out the series with Annie navigating stolen bronzes and underground art deals. The sisters’ style is witty, fast-paced, and sprinkled with art-world trivia, making each book a delightful dive into cozy mystery with a cultured twist.
Their collaborative process is as fascinating as their plots. Juliet draws on her art-world experience for vivid settings and quirky details, while Carolyn ensures historical accuracy through meticulous research. The result? Seamless narratives that feel like the work of a single author, packed with snappy dialogue and clever sleuthing that keep readers hooked.
Why Hailey Lind Matters
Hailey Lind’s mysteries stand out in the cozy mystery genre for their unique blend of art-world intrigue and sisterly collaboration. By spotlighting the lesser-known underbelly of art forgery and theft, they offer readers a fresh perspective on a glamorous industry. The series’ San Francisco settings, from Chinatown tunnels to Nob Hill clubs, bring the city to life, while Annie Kincaid’s redemption arc resonates with fans of flawed yet lovable protagonists. Though the series paused after four books, its Agatha Award nomination for Feint of Art and praise from outlets like Romantic Times cement Hailey Lind’s niche but lasting impact.
- Pen Name: Hailey Lind (Juliet and Carolyn Blackwell)
- Key Works: Feint of Art, Shooting Gallery, Brush with Death, Arsenic and Old Paint
- Award: Agatha Award nomination for Feint of Art (2006)
Ready to get lost in a world of art, forgery, and clever sleuthing? Snag Feint of Art and dive into Hailey Lind’s irresistible cozy mysteries!