Picture a storyteller who weaves dark, twisty tales of fierce women navigating treacherous historical landscapes—meet Kim Taylor Blakemore! This American author has carved a niche in historical mysteries and psychological thrillers, captivating readers with her meticulous research and vivid characterizations. From gritty 19th-century New Hampshire to the dusty plains of Depression-era Colorado, Blakemore’s novels bring bygone eras to life with a thrilling edge.
With a knack for crafting complex, audacious heroines—think thieves, murderesses, and grifters—Blakemore’s stories pulse with tangled lies and hidden motives. Her work has earned accolades like the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award and the Tucson Festival of Books Literary Award, cementing her as a rising star in historical fiction.
The Making of Kim Taylor Blakemore
Little is publicly known about Kim Taylor Blakemore’s early life, but her passion for history and storytelling shines through her work. Based in the Pacific Northwest, she’s a self-professed history nerd and gothic novel lover, influences that shape her dark, atmospheric narratives. Blakemore’s writing journey began with a deep curiosity about women’s stories, often overlooked in historical records. She honed her craft through workshops and founded Novelitics Writers Collective, mentoring aspiring authors while refining her voice.
Her career kicked off with young adult historical novels, but she soon pivoted to adult fiction, drawn to the psychological depth of historical thrillers. This versatility, paired with her commitment to authentic detail, set the stage for her critically acclaimed novels.
Kim Taylor Blakemore’s Unforgettable Stories
Blakemore’s bibliography is a treasure trove of suspense and intrigue. Her novel After Alice Fell (2021), a Killer Nashville Silver Falchion winner, follows Marion Abbott as she unravels the mystery of her sister’s death in a post-Civil War asylum. Its haunting prose and layered characters make it a standout in historical suspense.
The Companion (2020), a Tucson Festival of Books Literary Award winner, is a gothic masterpiece set in 1855 New Hampshire. It follows Lucy Blunt, a maid facing the gallows for murders she claims she didn’t commit, weaving a tale of betrayal and forbidden love. Blakemore’s young adult novel Cissy Funk (2015), a WILLA Literary Award winner, captures the grit of Depression-era Colorado, while Bowery Girl (2015) dives into the harsh realities of 1883 New York’s Lower East Side.
Writing as K.T. Blakemore, she penned The Good Time Girls (2023), a New Mexico-Arizona Book Award finalist, kicking off the Wild-Willed Women of the West series. This rollicking adventure features ex-dancehall girls on a vengeance-fueled road trip, blending humor with danger. Blakemore’s style—lyrical, immersive, and unflinchingly bold—brings her fierce heroines to life, making each novel a gripping journey.
Why Kim Taylor Blakemore Matters
Kim Taylor Blakemore’s impact lies in her ability to amplify marginalized voices, particularly women who defied societal norms. Her novels shine a light on the complexities of female agency in eras where survival often meant deception or rebellion. By blending meticulous historical detail with psychological suspense, she redefines historical fiction, appealing to readers who crave both intellect and thrills.
Beyond her novels, Blakemore’s work with Novelitics fosters a supportive community for writers, reflecting her commitment to nurturing creativity. Her influence in the crime and thriller genres continues to grow, inspiring a new wave of historical fiction that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
- Key Works: After Alice Fell, The Companion, Cissy Funk, The Good Time Girls
- Awards: Killer Nashville Silver Falchion, Tucson Festival of Books Literary Award, WILLA Literary Award
- Hobbies: Saber fencing, gothic novel reading, rescuing cats and dogs
Snag After Alice Fell or The Companion and dive into Kim Taylor Blakemore’s thrilling world of historical suspense!