Picture a storyteller who weaves intricate family sagas and gripping mysteries with a touch of Jewish cultural depth—meet Janice Steinberg! This award-winning novelist and arts journalist has captivated readers with her multigenerational novel The Tin Horse and a slew of mystery novels that keep you guessing. From her Wisconsin roots to her San Diego home, Steinberg’s journey is as compelling as her stories.
The Making of Janice Steinberg
Born in 1950 in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, Janice Steinberg grew up in a charming suburb on Lake Michigan’s shores, where quiet streets and glorious autumns sparked her imagination. One of her earliest memories is standing with her mother in a cozy brick library, a hint of her lifelong love for stories. She earned a B.A. and M.A. in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine, where she met her husband, Jack Cassidy. Before writing took center stage, Steinberg juggled jobs in urban planning, public relations, and journalism, earning the nickname 'Queen of the Sidebar' at Advertising Age.
Janice Steinberg’s Unforgettable Stories
Steinberg’s literary career shines with her 2013 novel The Tin Horse, a rich tapestry of Jewish-American life in Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights. The story follows Elaine Greenstein as she unravels family secrets and the mystery of her twin sister, Barbara, blending humor, nostalgia, and poignant family dynamics. Inspired by a minor character from Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep, the novel explores sisterly bonds and the American Dream’s promises and pitfalls.
Before The Tin Horse, Steinberg penned five mystery novels featuring reporter Margo Simon. Her Shamus Award-nominated Death in a City of Mystics dives into San Diego’s New Age scene, where fires hint at a modern witch hunt. Other titles like Death of a Postmodernist and Death Crosses the Border showcase her knack for blending art, culture, and suspense. Her writing style—vivid, character-driven, and layered with social commentary—invites readers into worlds where personal and historical dramas collide.
As an arts journalist, Steinberg has published over 400 articles in outlets like The San Diego Union-Tribune, Dance Magazine, and Los Angeles Times. Her dance and theater reviews for San Diego Story reflect her passion for movement, honed through teaching Nia dance-fitness classes as a Blue Belt practitioner.
Why Janice Steinberg Matters
Janice Steinberg’s work resonates for its deep dive into Jewish-American identity, family ties, and the complexities of human relationships. The Tin Horse has been praised for its vivid portrayal of immigrant life and sisterhood, earning a place in the tradition of authors like Lisa See. Her mysteries, lauded by scholars like Laurence Roth for engaging with Jewish detective fiction, offer sharp cultural insights. As a teacher at UC San Diego and San Diego State, Steinberg has inspired countless writers, sharing her craft through workshops and conferences.
About Janice Steinberg
- Born: 1950, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
- Key Works: The Tin Horse (2013), Death in a City of Mystics, Death of a Postmodernist
- Awards: Shamus Award nominee, National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship (2004)
- Passions: Writing, dance, Judaism
Call to Action: Snag The Tin Horse and dive into Janice Steinberg’s vibrant world of family, mystery, and heart!