Picture a storyteller who swapped opera stages for the quiet charm of a Wisconsin island—meet J.F. Riordan! This American author, often compared to a modern-day Jane Austen, weaves literary fiction that captures the heart of small-town life. Her North of the Tension Line series, set in Door County, Wisconsin, blends gentle humor, rich characters, and the beauty of the Midwest, making her a beloved voice in contemporary literature.
The Making of J.F. Riordan
Born in New Jersey, J.F. Riordan moved to Michigan and then Wisconsin as a child, planting the seeds for her deep Midwestern roots. At 14, she set her sights on becoming an opera singer, studying voice at the University of New Mexico at just 16. Her career took her to Chicago and Milwaukee, where she performed professionally, but homesickness drew her back to the Midwest. After earning a college degree and teaching high school in the inner city, Riordan found her true calling in writing, a passion that bloomed in her late thirties as a creative outlet from a demanding job.
J.F. Riordan’s Unforgettable Stories
Riordan’s North of the Tension Line series is her crowning achievement, starting with the 2014 debut novel, North of the Tension Line. The story follows Fiona Campbell, a Chicago writer who accepts a dare to survive a winter on Washington Island, uncovering the quirks and politics of small-town life. Its sequels—The Audacity of Goats (2016), Robert’s Rules (2018), A Small Earnest Question (2020), and Throwing Bears for George (2023)—deepen the saga with mysteries, humor, and heartfelt moments. Riordan’s lyrical prose, shaped by her musical background, brings a rhythmic quality to her storytelling, while her themes of community, integrity, and human connection resonate universally.
Beyond novels, Riordan penned Reflections on a Life in Exile, a collection of essays blending spirituality and wit, and My Dog Pete, a children’s book about a mischievous shelter dog. Her work celebrates the ordinary, with Washington Island itself becoming a vivid character, its isolation and charm mirroring the lives of her flawed yet dignified protagonists.
Why J.F. Riordan Matters
J.F. Riordan’s impact lies in her ability to elevate the everyday, crafting stories that feel like catching up with old friends. Her Midwestern sensibility challenges the notion that only fame or wealth matters, instead championing decency and passion. Readers worldwide connect with her portrayal of small-town dynamics, seeing their own communities reflected in her tales. Awards like the 2015 Gold IPPY for Great Lakes Fiction and the 2020 Shelf Unbound Notable Indie Award affirm her skill, while her animal-loving spirit—often seen with her German Shepherd, Moses, at book signings—adds warmth to her public persona.
About J.F. Riordan
- Born: New Jersey, raised in Wisconsin and Michigan
- Key Works: North of the Tension Line, The Audacity of Goats, Reflections on a Life in Exile
- Awards: 2015 Gold IPPY Award, 2020 Shelf Unbound Notable Indie Award
- Fun Fact: A former opera singer, she lives with her husband and three dogs in Wisconsin.
Ready to escape to a world of small-town charm and heartfelt stories? Snag North of the Tension Line and dive into J.F. Riordan’s literary magic!