Picture a storyteller who whisks you to 1930s Chicago, where mystery and romance dance under the shadow of the Great Depression—meet Michelle Cox! This award-winning American author has captivated readers with her knack for blending historical fiction, intrigue, and heart-fluttering love stories, particularly in her beloved Henrietta and Inspector Howard series. With a playful suspicion that she once lived in the era she writes about, Cox crafts tales so vivid you’ll swear you hear big band music in the background.
The Making of Michelle Cox
Michelle Cox grew up with a passion for stories, earning a B.A. in English Literature from Mundelein College in Chicago. Her love for the past, especially the 1930s, sparked her writing journey. Before becoming a novelist, she honed her craft through various roles, including teaching webinars for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild and scripting book trailers. This eclectic background shaped her ability to weave rich, cinematic narratives that feel both authentic and immersive.
Michelle Cox’s Unforgettable Stories
Cox’s Henrietta and Inspector Howard series is her crown jewel, kicking off with A Girl Like You (2016). Set in 1935 Chicago, it follows spunky Henrietta Von Harmon, a young woman juggling family responsibilities and a gritty job as a taxi dancer. When a murder pulls her into a web of crime, she teams up with the dashing Inspector Clive Howard, sparking both a mystery and a romance. Critics, including Library Journal, praise the series for its ‘vivid descriptive prose’ and ‘historical accuracy,’ with eight books, including A Haunting at Linley (2023), keeping readers hooked.
Beyond this series, Cox explores other tales like The Fallen Woman’s Daughter, a poignant historical novel, and the Merriweather Novels, starting with Matched in Merriweather (2024), a 1930s retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma. Her weekly blog, ‘Novel Notes of Local Lore,’ unearths forgotten Chicago residents’ stories, showcasing her knack for breathing life into history. Cox’s style—laced with 1930s slang, flawed yet fierce heroines, and a dash of romance—makes her work a fizzy cocktail of nostalgia and suspense.
Why Michelle Cox Matters
Michelle Cox’s impact lies in her ability to make history feel alive and relatable. Her heroines, like Henrietta, resonate with readers for their grit and heart, inspiring fans of historical fiction and mystery alike. By spotlighting Chicago’s overlooked voices through her blog, Cox preserves the past while crafting stories that bridge eras. Her awards, including multiple honors for the Henrietta series, and praise from outlets like Publishers Weekly, cement her as a standout in historical fiction.
- Lives in Chicago suburbs with her husband and children.
- Key works: A Girl Like You, A Haunting at Linley, Matched in Merriweather.
- Awards: Multiple for Henrietta and Inspector Howard series.
- Fun fact: Hoards board games and loves Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, and marmalade.
About Michelle Cox
Ready to time-travel to 1930s Chicago? Snag A Girl Like You and dive into Michelle Cox’s irresistible blend of mystery, romance, and history!