Picture a Minnesota storyteller who turned heartbreak into hilarious mysteries and chilling thrillers—meet Jess Lourey! This versatile author, known for her 'Murder-by-Month Mysteries' series, weaves humor, suspense, and personal triumphs into stories that captivate readers worldwide. From small-town sleuthing to dark, twisty thrillers, Lourey’s journey from rejection to acclaim is as inspiring as her books.
The Making of Jess Lourey
Born in 1970 in Tacoma, Washington, Jess Lourey grew up with a knack for words, penning a charming haiku about her grandfather at age six. A personal tragedy—the suicide of her husband shortly after their wedding—sparked her creative writing career, channeling grief into storytelling. With two master’s degrees and a teaching stint at St. Cloud Technical and Community College, Lourey balanced academia with her passion for writing, eventually retiring in 2021 to focus on her novels full-time.
Jess Lourey’s Unforgettable Stories
Lourey’s 'Murder-by-Month Mysteries' series, starting with May Day (2006), follows librarian Mira James in quirky Battle Lake, Minnesota, blending romcom vibes with cozy mysteries. Each book, like June Bug and February Fever, delivers laughs, romance, and clever whodunits. Her darker side shines in thrillers like The Quarry Girls (2022), a gripping tale of secrets in 1970s Minnesota, earning her an Anthony Award. Unspeakable Things (2020), inspired by the Jacob Wetterling case, sold over 350,000 copies, showcasing her knack for blending true crime with fiction. Lourey’s style—witty, heartfelt, and suspenseful—spans crime, young adult, and magical realism, appealing to diverse readers.
Her nonfiction work, Rewrite Your Life, guides aspiring writers to transform personal experiences into fiction, reflecting her own healing process. Lourey’s ability to craft relatable characters and vivid settings, often rooted in Minnesota, makes her stories feel like a warm chat with a friend—or a chilling late-night tale.
Why Jess Lourey Matters
Jess Lourey’s impact goes beyond her million-plus readers. Her perseverance—overcoming 423 rejections before her first book deal—inspires aspiring authors. Her TEDxRapidCity talk on using fiction to transform lives resonates with creatives, while her awards, including the International Thriller and Minnesota Book Awards, cement her literary influence. By tackling tough themes like loss and trauma with humor and hope, Lourey offers readers both escape and empowerment.
About Jess Lourey
- Born: 1970 in Tacoma, Washington
- Key Works: May Day, The Quarry Girls, Unspeakable Things
- Awards: Anthony Award, International Thriller Award, Minnesota Book Award
- Fun Fact: She fosters kittens and blogs for Psychology Today!
Snag The Quarry Girls or May Day and dive into Jess Lourey’s witty, thrilling world—perfect for cozy nights or edge-of-your-seat reads!