Picture a storyteller who conjures mysteries laced with paranormal charm, set against the backdrop of a bygone era—meet Jessica Estevao! This American author, known for her captivating Change of Fortune Mysteries, spins tales that whisk readers to the turn-of-the-century seaside, where secrets and spirits collide. With a knack for blending historical detail and cozy intrigue, Estevao has carved a unique niche in the mystery genre.
Writing under multiple pen names, including Jessie Crockett and Jessica Ellicott, she’s a literary chameleon, crafting stories that feel like a warm cup of tea spiked with suspense. Let’s dive into the world of Jessica Estevao, where every page hums with mystery and a touch of the supernatural!
The Making of Jessica Estevao
Little is known about Jessica Estevao’s early years, but her love for the beach, mysterious happenings, and all things paranormal shaped her storytelling. Living most of the year in New Hampshire with her family, she spends summers on Maine’s coast, chasing sea monsters and mermaids—or at least, dreaming them into her novels. This dual life infuses her work with vivid settings, from quaint seaside resorts to cozy New England towns.
Estevao’s writing journey began with a passion for historical mysteries, likely sparked by her fascination with the past’s hidden corners. As Jessie Crockett, she penned the Sugar Grove Mysteries, earning a Daphne du Maurier Award for Live Free or Die. Her shift to the pseudonym Jessica Estevao marked a bold step into paranormal-tinged historical fiction, where her flair for complex characters and atmospheric settings truly shines.
Jessica Estevao’s Unforgettable Stories
Estevao’s flagship series, the Change of Fortune Mysteries, introduced readers to Ruby Proulx, a con artist turned psychic medium with a questionable past. In Whispers Beyond the Veil (2016), Ruby flees a dangerous scam to Old Orchard, Maine, where she uses her cold-reading skills at her aunt’s hotel. This series launch, set in the 1890s, blends cozy mystery with paranormal elements, earning praise for its rich character backstories and balanced plotting.
The sequel, Whispers of Warning (2017), dives into the suffrage movement, with Ruby investigating the death of a prominent activist. Estevao’s ability to weave historical issues—like women’s rights—into gripping mysteries sets her apart. Her prose sparkles with wry humor and vivid imagery, painting Maine’s coast as both idyllic and sinister. Under the pen name Jessica Ellicott, she also delivers Murder in an English Village, a delightful tale of friendship and sleuthing in post-World War I England.
Estevao’s style is a masterclass in cozy mystery: flawed yet likable protagonists, intricate plots, and settings that feel like characters themselves. Her paranormal touches—never overdone—add a ghostly allure, making her books perfect for readers who crave history with a hint of the uncanny.
Why Jessica Estevao Matters
Jessica Estevao’s impact lies in her ability to breathe life into historical mysteries while tackling timeless themes like identity and redemption. Ruby Proulx, with her con artist roots and moral complexity, resonates with readers who love heroines who defy convention. Estevao’s work also shines a light on lesser-explored historical moments, like the suffrage movement, making history accessible and thrilling.
Her versatility across pen names and series showcases a storyteller who refuses to be boxed in, inspiring aspiring authors to embrace their unique voices. Though not a household name, Estevao’s growing fanbase and critical acclaim— including an Agatha Award nomination for Whispers Beyond the Veil—cement her as a gem in the cozy mystery world.
- Born: Details unavailable, but based in New Hampshire
- Key Works: Whispers Beyond the Veil, Whispers of Warning, Murder in an English Village (as Jessica Ellicott)
- Awards: Daphne du Maurier Award (as Jessie Crockett), Agatha Award nominee
Snag Whispers Beyond the Veil and dive into Jessica Estevao’s spellbinding blend of mystery and history!