Picture a storyteller who spun small-town secrets into gripping mysteries—meet Jennifer McAndrews! This American novelist captured hearts with her national bestselling Stained-Glass Mystery series, blending cozy charm with clever puzzles. From her childhood love of whodunits to crafting intricate tales in New York’s metro area, McAndrews’s journey is as captivating as her stories.
With a knack for weaving humor, heart, and suspense, she’s earned a loyal following among mystery fans. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting spark of this delightful author!
The Making of Jennifer McAndrews
Jennifer McAndrews’s love affair with mysteries began in middle school, where she devoured novels that kept her guessing. Growing up in New York, she started writing in seventh grade, scribbling stories as a hobby. Though her early high school attempts were, in her own words, “spectacularly bad,” her passion never wavered. Encouraged by her parents, she honed her craft through creative writing classes at Nassau Community College and studied essay writing under the legendary June Jordan at SUNY Stony Brook. These experiences shaped her sharp, engaging style. After years in legal, medical, and scientific publishing, McAndrews turned her focus to fiction, proving that perseverance pays off.
Jennifer McAndrews’s Unforgettable Stories
McAndrews’s breakout came with the Stained-Glass Mystery series, a cozy mystery gem launched in 2014. The series follows Georgia Kelly, a stained-glass artist and amateur sleuth navigating murder and mayhem in the quaint town of Wenwood, New York. The first novel, Ill-Gotten Panes, introduces Georgia as she flees a city scandal, only to stumble into a murder case. Readers praised its fast-paced plot and likable characters, with the small-town setting adding charm.
The sequel, Death Under Glass (2015), deepens Georgia’s story as she unravels a crime threatening her friend Carrie. Fans loved the witty dialogue and detailed stained-glass artistry woven into the narrative. The third book, A Shattering Crime, tackles a poisoned Danish mystery, showcasing McAndrews’s knack for surprising twists. Her standalone novel, Deadly Farce, explores darker themes, proving her versatility. McAndrews’s style—sprinkled with humor, rich relationships, and clever clues—makes every page a delight.
Why Jennifer McAndrews Matters
Jennifer McAndrews brought fresh energy to the cozy mystery genre, blending traditional elements with modern flair. Her focus on stained-glass artistry as a backdrop sets her apart, offering readers a unique lens into a creative world. Her heroines, like Georgia Kelly, resonate as smart, relatable women who tackle challenges with grit and wit. McAndrews’s ability to craft tight, engaging plots has inspired aspiring writers, while her success as a 2010 Golden Heart Finalist in Young Adult fiction highlights her versatility. Living in the New York metro area with her husband, children, four cats, and three rescue dogs, she balances family and writing, embodying the warmth her stories exude.
- Key Works: Ill-Gotten Panes, Death Under Glass, A Shattering Crime, Deadly Farce
- Genre: Cozy Mystery, Young Adult Fiction
- Awards: 2010 Golden Heart Finalist (Young Adult)
- Fun Fact: She’s a lifelong New Yorker with a love for pets, including a dumbo rat named Owen!
About Jennifer McAndrews
Ready for a cozy mystery that sparkles? Snag Ill-Gotten Panes and dive into Jennifer McAndrews’s charming world of secrets and stained glass!