Picture a Midwestern storyteller who weaves the grit and heart of America’s past into unforgettable tales—meet Laurie Loewenstein! A fifth-generation Midwesterner, Loewenstein burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, Unmentionables, in 2013, blending historical fiction with feminist fire. Her Dust Bowl Mystery series has since captivated readers, painting vivid portraits of 1930s Oklahoma with suspense and soul.
With roots in Ohio and a knack for storytelling that feels like a warm chat with an old friend, Loewenstein’s work digs into the human spirit against the backdrop of tough times. As a Wilkes University instructor, she’s also shaping the next generation of writers, proving her impact goes beyond the page.
The Making of Laurie Loewenstein
Born and raised in central and western Ohio, Laurie Loewenstein comes from a long line of farmers, butchers, and salesmen. Her Midwestern heritage runs deep, shaping her authentic voice. With a BA and MA in history from Ohio institutions, she started as a reporter, penning features and obituaries for small newspapers. In her fifties, she chased a dream, earning an MA in Creative Writing and launching her fiction career. This pivot from journalism to novels showcases her grit and passion for storytelling.
Laurie Loewenstein’s Unforgettable Stories
Loewenstein’s debut, Unmentionables (2013), is a historical novel set in 1917 Illinois, following Marian Elliot Adams, a bold advocate for women’s sensible undergarments. The book, praised for its rich research and vibrant characters, earned a starred review from Library Journal. It’s a feminist tale wrapped in small-town drama, touching on suffrage and racial tensions with grace.
Her Dust Bowl Mystery series, starting with Death of a Rainmaker (2018), dives into 1930s Oklahoma, where Sheriff Temple Jennings and his wife, Etha, unravel crimes amid dust storms and despair. The follow-up, Funeral Train (2022), tackles a train derailment mystery, earning accolades for its evocative prose. Loewenstein’s style blends gritty realism with compassion, her settings so vivid you can taste the dust. Her research—old photos, farmwives’ diaries, 1930s music—grounds every scene in truth.
Loewenstein’s stories shine for their strong female characters, like the stubborn, kindhearted Etha, and their focus on resilience. Her mysteries aren’t just whodunits; they’re windows into the struggles and hopes of ordinary people, making her work both thrilling and deeply human.
Why Laurie Loewenstein Matters
Laurie Loewenstein’s novels do more than entertain—they resurrect forgotten slices of American history. Her Dust Bowl series captures the Great Depression’s toll with tenderness, earning praise from NPR and the New York Times. By centering strong women and small-town dynamics, she challenges stereotypes, offering fresh perspectives on the past. As a faculty member at Wilkes University’s Creative Writing Program, she mentors aspiring authors, fostering new voices in historical fiction and mystery.
Her work resonates because it’s relatable yet eye-opening, blending suspense with heart. Loewenstein’s ability to make the 1930s feel alive ensures her stories linger, inspiring readers to reflect on resilience and community.
- Birthplace: Ohio, USA
- Key Works: Unmentionables (2013), Death of a Rainmaker (2018), Funeral Train (2022)
- Awards: Death of a Rainmaker (2019 Oklahoma Book Award finalist), Funeral Train (2023 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award finalist)
- Current Role: Instructor, Wilkes University Creative Writing Program
Snag Death of a Rainmaker and dive into Laurie Loewenstein’s gritty, heartfelt world of Dust Bowl mysteries! Her stories are perfect for anyone craving a blend of history, suspense, and humanity.