Picture a Maine storyteller weaving suspenseful mysteries while championing shelter dogs—meet Jen Blood! A USA Today bestselling author, Blood captivates readers with her action-packed Erin Solomon and Flint K-9 Search and Rescue series, blending heart-pounding plots with her passion for animal care. Her unique mix of literary talent and compassionate activism makes her a standout in the mystery genre.
Born and raised in the fishing villages of Midcoast Maine, Blood’s stories pulse with the rugged charm of her homeland. With an MFA in Creative Writing and a certificate in dog training, she crafts tales that are as gripping as they are heartfelt, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim.
The Making of Jen Blood
Jen Blood’s journey to bestselling author began in the small coastal towns of Maine, where her love for storytelling took root early. Writing her first stories as a child, she was influenced by authors like Ray Bradbury and Dennis Lehane, whose knack for suspense shaped her own style. After earning an MFA in Creative Writing/Popular Fiction from the University of Southern Maine, Blood honed her craft as a freelance journalist, infusing her mysteries with atmospheric details drawn from Maine’s rugged landscape. Her side gigs, including work in animal rescue, sparked a lifelong passion for dogs, which later became a cornerstone of her Flint K-9 series.
Jen Blood’s Unforgettable Stories
Blood’s two major series, the Erin Solomon Mysteries and the Flint K-9 Search and Rescue Mysteries, showcase her talent for crafting strong, independent women who tackle danger head-on. The Erin Solomon series, starting with All the Blue-Eyed Angels (2012), follows investigative journalist Erin Solomon as she unravels a haunting cult suicide from her childhood. Packed with conspiracy, romance, and serpentine plots, the five-book series has earned praise for its sharp wit and emotional depth.
The Flint K-9 Search and Rescue Mysteries, beginning with The Darkest Thread (2016), star Jamie Flint, a single mom and K-9 handler, whose search-and-rescue missions in Vermont’s eerie Bennington Triangle blend suspense with heartwarming canine loyalty. Books like Inside the Echo (2018) and The Redemption Game (2019) highlight Blood’s ability to weave animal care into thrilling narratives. Her writing, rich with Maine’s stark beauty and complex characters, appeals to fans of John Connolly and Nevada Barr, earning accolades like the B.R.A.G. Medallion.
Blood also penned Maya Picks a Puppy, a children’s book celebrating the joy of adopting shelter dogs, illustrated by Maine artist Thomas Block. Her stories consistently balance dark secrets with hope, making them irresistible to mystery lovers and animal enthusiasts alike.
Why Jen Blood Matters
Jen Blood’s impact extends beyond her page-turning mysteries. Her focus on strong female protagonists challenges stereotypes in the crime genre, while her advocacy for shelter dogs shines through her Flint K-9 series and real-life work as a certified dog trainer. By leading workshops on writing and publishing across New England, she inspires aspiring authors to find their voice. Blood’s ability to merge her passions—writing, animal welfare, and Maine’s unique culture—has carved a niche that resonates with readers worldwide, with over 150,000 books sold and 400,000 downloads.
- Born: Midcoast Maine
- Key Works: All the Blue-Eyed Angels, The Darkest Thread, Maya Picks a Puppy
- Awards: B.R.A.G. Medallion, Honorable Mention for Best Fiction (New England Book Festival)
- Notable: Certified dog trainer and Maine Crime Writers blogger
Snag The Darkest Thread and dive into Jen Blood’s thrilling world of mystery and canine heroes!