Picture a storyteller who spun gritty New Orleans mysteries with a jazz-like rhythm—meet Julie Smith! Born in 1944, this Edgar Award-winning American novelist transformed her journalistic roots into a prolific career, crafting 20 mystery novels and a quirky young adult paranormal tale. Her Skip Langdon series, set in the sultry streets of New Orleans, captivates readers with its bold heroine and vivid settings.
From her early days as a reporter to founding her own digital publishing company, Smith’s journey is as dynamic as her detective tales. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this mystery maven!
The Making of Julie Smith
Julie Smith was born on November 25, 1944, in Annapolis, Maryland, but grew up in Savannah, Georgia. Her love for mysteries sparked at age 12, and by 13, she dreamed of winning an Edgar Award. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Mississippi in 1965, she honed her storytelling as a reporter for the New Orleans Times-Picayune and later the San Francisco Chronicle. Her 16-year journalism stint gave her a keen eye for detail, which she later poured into her novels.
In 1979, Smith co-founded Invisible Ink, a freelance writing firm, but her heart was set on fiction. After years of rejected manuscripts, her persistence paid off with her first published novel, Death Turns a Trick, in 1982, launching her into the mystery genre.
Julie Smith’s Unforgettable Stories
Smith’s novels are a love letter to New Orleans, blending gritty realism with psychological depth. Her Skip Langdon series, starting with New Orleans Mourning (1990), follows a six-foot-tall, former debutante turned cop navigating the city’s underbelly. The novel’s Mardi Gras murder mystery won the 1991 Edgar Award for Best Novel, making Smith the first American woman to claim the honor since 1956.
Other gems include The Axeman’s Jazz (1991), a chilling tale inspired by a real New Orleans serial killer, and Death Before Facebook (1994), which dives into early internet culture. Her Talba Wallis series, featuring a poet-turned-private investigator, showcases Smith’s knack for diverse, compelling characters. Smith’s style—described as “cool, complex, and penetrating like jazz”—weaves Southern charm, suspense, and social commentary, earning praise from critics like Val McDermid.
Beyond mysteries, Smith ventured into young adult paranormal fiction with Bad Girl School (formerly Cursebusters!), where a psychic teen teams up with a telepathic cat for a time-travel adventure. Her versatility keeps readers hooked across genres.
Why Julie Smith Matters
Julie Smith’s impact extends beyond her page-turners. Her strong female protagonists, like Skip Langdon and Talba Wallis, paved the way for complex women in crime fiction. In 2010, she founded booksBnimble, a digital publishing company that champions ebooks and supports new authors, reflecting her commitment to the evolving literary landscape. Her work captures New Orleans’ soul, from its steamy streets to its cultural quirks, making her a beloved voice in Southern literature.
Smith’s resilience—overcoming early rejections and Hurricane Katrina’s creative paralysis— inspires aspiring writers. Her legacy is one of grit, innovation, and storytelling that resonates with readers worldwide.
- Birth Date: November 25, 1944
- Key Works: New Orleans Mourning, The Axeman’s Jazz, Death Before Facebook, Bad Girl School
- Awards: 1991 Edgar Award for Best Novel
- Fun Fact: Smith once ran an online writing school, Writerstrack.com!
Snag New Orleans Mourning and dive into Julie Smith’s thrilling world of mystery and Southern spice!