Picture an engineer-turned-storyteller weaving tales of romance and suspense in 1860s San Francisco—meet Nancy Herriman! With a knack for crafting gripping historical mysteries, Herriman has enchanted readers worldwide. Her unique journey from chemical engineering to award-winning author infuses her novels with authenticity, making her a standout voice in romantic suspense and historical fiction.
From her vivid 'Mystery of Old San Francisco' series to the Tudor-era 'A Bess Ellyott Mystery' books, Herriman’s storytelling captivates with rich detail and strong heroines. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable author whose pen has brought history to life!
The Making of Nancy Herriman
Nancy Herriman’s path to authorship was anything but conventional. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Cincinnati, she spent years in the tech industry, solving complex problems with precision. But her heart belonged to storytelling. Inspired by a lifelong love of history and literature, Herriman left engineering to raise her two sons and pursue writing. This bold leap paid off, as her talent for blending romance, suspense, and historical detail soon caught the literary world’s attention.
Her early works earned accolades, including the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Daphne du Maurier Award for Best Unpublished Mystery/Romantic Suspense. Living in central Ohio with her husband and sons, Herriman balances her writing with passions for choral singing and indulging in dark chocolate, proving she’s as multifaceted as her characters.
Nancy Herriman’s Unforgettable Stories
Herriman’s novels transport readers to bygone eras with meticulous historical detail and heart-pounding suspense. Her 'Mystery of Old San Francisco' series, starting with No Comfort for the Lost (2015), follows nurse Celia Davies as she solves crimes in 1860s San Francisco. Praised for its vivid depiction of the bustling city, the series spans seven books, including No Rest for the Departed (2024), and has earned rave reviews for its independent heroines and atmospheric storytelling.
The 'A Bess Ellyott Mystery' series, set in Elizabethan England, showcases Herriman’s versatility. Featuring herbalist Bess Ellyott, books like Searcher of the Dead blend intrigue, romance, and Tudor-era drama, earning praise as an 'Editor’s Choice' by the Historical Novel Society. Standalone novels like Josiah’s Treasure (2013) highlight her ability to craft compelling inspirational romance, weaving themes of forgiveness and resilience.
Herriman’s style is a masterclass in balance: richly detailed settings, fast-paced plots, and emotionally complex characters. Her engineering background shines through in her structured narratives, while her love for history and strong female leads appeals to fans of authors like Rhys Bowen and Anna Lee Huber.
Why Nancy Herriman Matters
Nancy Herriman’s impact lies in her ability to breathe life into historical settings while championing resilient, independent women. Her novels don’t just entertain—they illuminate the challenges and triumphs of women in eras where their voices were often silenced. By blending romance with suspense, she appeals to a wide audience, from cozy mystery lovers to historical fiction enthusiasts.
Her awards and critical acclaim, including starred reviews from Library Journal, underscore her influence. Herriman’s stories resonate because they’re grounded in authenticity, drawing from her technical precision and deep historical research. For readers seeking immersive, character-driven tales, Herriman remains a must-read author whose legacy continues to grow.
- Education: Bachelor’s in chemical engineering, University of Cincinnati
- Key Works: 'Mystery of Old San Francisco' series, 'A Bess Ellyott Mystery' series, Josiah’s Treasure
- Awards: RWA Daphne du Maurier Award for Best Unpublished Mystery/Romantic Suspense
- Hobbies: Choral singing, history shows, and dark chocolate
About Nancy Herriman
Ready to step into Nancy Herriman’s world of mystery and romance? Snag No Comfort for the Lost and lose yourself in her thrilling historical adventures!