Picture an American storyteller who spins globe-trotting mysteries with a witty travel writer at the helm—meet Jeff Soloway! This award-winning author crafts thrilling tales that whisk readers from Bolivian jungles to the Grand Canyon’s edge, blending his insider knowledge of the travel industry with sharp, sassy storytelling. His Travel Writer Mystery series, starring the ever-curious Jacob Smalls, has earned accolades and a loyal following for its exotic locales and clever capers.
Soloway’s knack for turning travel into suspense isn’t just fiction—it’s rooted in his own adventures. Formerly a travel guide editor and writer, he’s now a master of mysteries that make you want to book a flight (and maybe solve a crime or two).
The Making of Jeff Soloway
Born and raised in the United States, Jeff Soloway graduated from Harvard University before diving into a life of wanderlust. His early career was a whirlwind of global gigs—typesetting in London, teaching English in Madrid, and even a stint at Microsoft in Dublin. These experiences fueled his love for travel and storytelling, leading him to a role as a writer and editor for Frommer’s travel guides. That world of luxury hotels, exotic cuisines, and tight deadlines became the backbone of his fiction. Now an executive editor in New York City, Soloway lives in Manhattan with his wife and two children, balancing family life with his passion for crafting mysteries.
Jeff Soloway’s Unforgettable Stories
Soloway’s Travel Writer Mystery series is where his talent shines. The series follows Jacob Smalls, a freelance travel writer whose knack for sniffing out trouble lands him in hot water across the globe. In The Travel Writer (2014), Jacob heads to a Bolivian resort to investigate a missing journalist, only to tangle with political goons and his intoxicating ex-lover, Pilar. The book’s vivid Andean setting and sharp humor hooked readers, earning praise for its fresh take on the amateur sleuth.
The Last Descent (2016) takes Jacob to the Grand Canyon, where a murder at a luxury hotel pits him against corporate greed and deadly drop-offs. Soloway’s knack for capturing the canyon’s beauty—and its dangers—makes this a standout. His third novel, The Ex-President (2018), is a timely comic thriller featuring a billionaire ex-president and a cruise ship murder, showcasing Soloway’s ability to weave humor with high stakes. His short fiction, like the award-winning “The Wentworth Letter,” also dazzles in magazines like Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, proving his versatility.
Soloway’s style is sassy yet sensitive, blending cynicism with heart. His settings are characters in their own right, from Incan terraces to canyon rims, while Jacob’s voice—wry, flawed, and relatable—keeps readers coming back. Themes of curiosity, corruption, and the unglamorous side of travel writing add depth to his fast-paced plots.
Why Jeff Soloway Matters
Jeff Soloway’s impact lies in his ability to transform the travel genre into a playground for suspense. His novels offer more than escapism—they critique the tourism industry’s glossy veneer, exposing its underbelly through Jacob’s misadventures. Winning the 2014 Robert L. Fish Memorial Award from the Mystery Writers of America cemented his status as a rising star in crime fiction. Soloway’s work resonates with readers who crave intelligent mysteries that double as armchair travel, inspiring both wanderlust and a thirst for justice.
His influence extends to aspiring writers, showing how real-world experience can shape authentic storytelling. By grounding his fiction in the highs and lows of travel writing, Soloway has carved a unique niche in the mystery genre.
- Born: United States
- Key Works: The Travel Writer (2014), The Last Descent (2016), The Ex-President (2018)
- Awards: Robert L. Fish Memorial Award (2014), Thriller Award nominee
- Fun Fact: Soloway once worked as a typesetter in London!
Ready for a thrilling getaway? Snag The Travel Writer and dive into Jeff Soloway’s world of mysteries, mischief, and far-flung adventures!