Picture a British storyteller who spun Victorian secrets into page-turning mysteries—meet Jane Steen! Born with a name inspired by Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, Steen was destined to weave tales of 19th-century intrigue. From her eclectic journey across England, Belgium, and Chicago, she crafted historical mysteries that blend saga, romance, and suspense, captivating readers with her vivid storytelling.
The Making of Jane Steen
Born in the late 1950s in England, Jane Steen grew up during the vibrant yet turbulent 1970s, a time of strikes and social change. Named after her literary heroine, she developed a lifelong passion for Victorian fiction, studying English and French 19th-century writers in depth. Her early career was a colorful tapestry—editing for a Belgian law firm, translating aerospace magazines, and dabbling in real estate marketing. By the 1980s, Steen was an expatriate in Belgium, where she met her American husband at a theater festival. Her move to Chicago in the 2000s reignited her love for Victorian literature while pursuing a master’s degree, setting the stage for her writing career.
Jane Steen’s Unforgettable Stories
Steen’s novels transport readers to the late 19th century, where women navigated societal constraints with grit and grace. Her debut series, The House of Closed Doors, follows Nell Lillington, an unwed mother facing mysteries and romance in the American Midwest. The series’ second book, Eternal Deception, dives deeper into Nell’s journey in 1870s Kansas, blending murder and melodrama. The Shadow Palace, the third installment, brings Nell to 1876 Chicago, tackling a murder investigation amid the city’s bustle. Steen’s Scott-De Quincy Mysteries, starting with Lady Helena Investigates, explores an aristocratic family’s dark secrets in Victorian England, earning praise for its Downton Abbey-esque saga. Her style—light yet layered with Victorian drama—captures the era’s social issues, technology shifts, and gothic allure.
Steen’s storytelling shines through her attention to historical detail, from bustle dresses to Chicago’s Great Fire. She writes for readers craving clean, engaging reads without gratuitous violence, drawing inspiration from Victorian novelists like Wilkie Collins. Her indie-published works reflect her entrepreneurial spirit, honed through years of diverse professional experiences.
Why Jane Steen Matters
Jane Steen’s impact lies in her ability to breathe life into the Victorian era, making it accessible and thrilling for modern readers. Her focus on women’s challenges—unwed motherhood, societal expectations—resonates with those who love character-driven historical fiction. As a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Alliance of Independent Authors, Steen champions indie publishing, inspiring aspiring writers to take control of their craft. Her runner-up spot in the 2019 Selfies Awards for Lady Helena Investigates underscores her growing influence in the genre.
- Born: Late 1950s, England
- Key Works: The House of Closed Doors, Eternal Deception, The Shadow Palace, Lady Helena Investigates
- Awards: Runner-up, 2019 Selfies Awards (Best Self-Published Work of Fiction)
Ready to step into a world of Victorian mystery? Snag The House of Closed Doors and dive into Jane Steen’s spellbinding historical fiction!