Picture a storyteller who traded stage lights and political podiums for the quill of a historical mystery maestro—meet Katharine Schellman! This Virginia-based author has captivated readers with her intricate whodunnits, blending the elegance of Regency England and the grit of Jazz Age New York. Her debut, The Body in the Garden, launched her into the literary spotlight, earning accolades and a devoted following.
Schellman’s knack for crafting vivid historical settings and sharp-witted sleuths has made her a rising star in historical mystery fiction. With a flair for suspense and a love for bygone eras, she invites readers to unravel secrets alongside her unforgettable characters. Ready to step into her world?
The Making of Katharine Schellman
Born with a storyteller’s heart, Katharine Schellman grew up devouring mysteries, from Agatha Christie’s classics to childhood favorites like Dorothy Maywood’s Mystery at Laughing Water. A graduate of the College of William & Mary, she initially pursued a career in theater, gracing stages with her dance and acting talents. Later, she dove into the fast-paced world of political consulting, a “wild ride” she left behind to chase her true passion: writing. Now nestled in the Virginia mountains, Schellman crafts her novels surrounded by family, a towering TBR pile, and a collection of houseplants she jokingly admits to “accidentally murdering.”
Katharine Schellman’s Unforgettable Stories
Schellman’s literary journey began in 2020 with The Body in the Garden, the first in her Lily Adler Mysteries. Set in 1815 London, this Regency-era tale follows widow Lily Adler as she uncovers a murder amid high society’s glittering balls. Praised as a Suspense Magazine Best Book of 2020, it introduced Schellman’s signature style: fair-play mysteries where clues are cleverly laid out for readers to solve alongside her sleuths. The series continues with titles like Silence in the Library and A Scandal in Mayfair, each weaving intricate plots and strong female protagonists.
In 2022, Schellman launched the Nightingale Mysteries, a sultry, suspenseful series set in 1920s New York. Last Call at the Nightingale introduces Vivian Kelly, a seamstress by day and speakeasy reveler by night, who stumbles into a murder investigation. This Jazz Age saga, with its queer undertones and morally gray characters, has earned accolades like a New York Times Editors’ Pick and a Library Journal Best Crime Fiction nod. Follow-ups like The Last Note of Warning and the upcoming Last Dance Before Dawn deepen the series’ gritty glamour.
Schellman’s writing shines for its historical authenticity and vibrant characters. Her mysteries explore themes of justice, loyalty, and societal constraints, often spotlighting women who defy their era’s norms. Whether it’s Lily’s intellectual cunning or Vivian’s street-smart grit, Schellman’s heroines resonate with readers craving agency and adventure.
Why Katharine Schellman Matters
Katharine Schellman has carved a niche in historical mystery fiction by blending meticulous research with page-turning suspense. Her ability to unearth lesser-known facets of history—like women running 1920s speakeasies—challenges stereotypes and enriches her narratives. Awards like the 2025 Zibby Media National Book Award for The Last Note of Warning and nominations for the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion underscore her growing influence. For fans, Schellman’s work offers an escape into worlds where wit and courage unravel the darkest secrets, proving mysteries can be both thrilling and thought-provoking.
- Key Works: The Body in the Garden (2020), Last Call at the Nightingale (2022)
- Awards: Suspense Magazine Best Book (2020), Zibby Media National Book Award (2025)
- Hobbies: Reading across genres, drinking tea, and tending (or accidentally killing) houseplants
Snag The Body in the Garden or Last Call at the Nightingale and dive into Katharine Schellman’s thrilling historical mysteries—you won’t want to leave her world!