Picture an American storyteller who traded Midwest roots for the misty charm of England, weaving mysteries that unravel the secrets of the Church of England—meet Kate Charles! Born Carol Fosher, this ecclesiastical crime fiction maestro has captivated readers with her sharp wit and intricate plots, especially in her beloved Book of Psalms series. From chairing the Crime Writers’ Association to crafting tales that blend faith and foul play, Charles’s journey is as compelling as her novels.
The Making of Kate Charles
Born in 1950 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kate Charles grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, where her love for storytelling took root. After earning a bachelor’s degree in library science from Illinois State University and a master’s from Indiana University, she embarked on a life that would lead her to the UK. A move to Ludlow, Shropshire, and a transformative open-heart surgery in 1996 sparked a shift in her writing, deepening her exploration of human nature and ecclesiastical intrigue. Her passion for churches and their hidden dramas became the heartbeat of her work.
Kate Charles’s Unforgettable Stories
Kate Charles’s novels are a masterclass in blending cozy mystery with the complex dynamics of the Anglican Church. Her Book of Psalms series, starting with A Drink of Deadly Wine (1991), introduces readers to clergy grappling with secrets and scandals. The series, including titles like The Snares of Death and Evil Angels Among Them, weaves faith, morality, and murder into gripping narratives. Her Callie Anson series, beginning with Evil Intent (2005), follows a young female curate navigating modern church controversies, from women’s ordination to homosexuality, with a lighter touch than P.D. James but equal depth.
Charles’s standalone novels, like Unruly Passions and Cruel Habitations, showcase her versatility, exploring passion and suspense within ecclesiastical settings. Her love for Venice shines in short stories, such as one featuring Callie Anson in Murder Most Catholic. Known for rich characters and eloquent prose, Charles crafts mysteries that resonate with readers who crave both plot twists and philosophical musings.
Why Kate Charles Matters
Kate Charles’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the Church of England’s complexities, making ecclesiastical crime fiction a lens for exploring faith, power, and human frailty. Her work, praised by authors like Deborah Crombie, appeals to fans of British mysteries who savor humane yet revealing storytelling. As a former chair of the Barbara Pym Society and the Crime Writers’ Association, and a recipient of the 2012 George N. Dove Award for her contributions to mystery studies, Charles has left an indelible mark on the genre.
- Born: 1950, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Key Works: A Drink of Deadly Wine, Evil Intent, Cruel Habitations
- Awards: George N. Dove Award (2012)
- Hobbies: Church-crawling, reading, singing
Snag A Drink of Deadly Wine or Evil Intent and dive into Kate Charles’s thrilling world of ecclesiastical mysteries!