Picture a scholar-turned-storyteller who swapped museum galleries for murder mysteries set in exotic locales—meet Nancy Tingley! This American art historian and mystery novelist has carved a unique niche, blending her deep knowledge of Asian art with gripping tales of suspense. Her Jenna Murphy Mystery series, featuring a savvy young curator solving crimes amidst ancient artifacts, invites readers into a world where art and intrigue collide.
Tingley’s stories aren’t just page-turners; they’re cultural journeys. From Cambodian temples to Balinese art villages, her novels offer a vibrant backdrop that’s as captivating as the mysteries themselves. Ready to explore the life and works of this fascinating author? Let’s dive in!
The Making of Nancy Tingley
Nancy Tingley’s journey began not with a pen, but with a passion for Asian art. An independent art historian and curator, she spent decades immersed in the art world, working at prestigious institutions like the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Her expertise in Southeast Asian art, honed through curating exhibits like Arts of Ancient Viet Nam: From River Plain to Open Sea, gave her a front-row seat to the stories hidden in ancient sculptures and paintings. This scholarly foundation sparked her transition to fiction, where she could weave her knowledge into narratives that thrill and educate.
After years of “closet” writing, Tingley took the leap into publishing, driven by a desire to bring Southeast Asia’s rich cultural tapestry to a broader audience. Her love for travel and research, once used for museum catalogs, now fuels her vivid storytelling, making her a standout in the mystery genre.
Nancy Tingley’s Unforgettable Stories
Tingley’s Jenna Murphy Mystery series is where her expertise shines. The series follows Jenna Murphy, a purple-haired, mini-skirted curator at California’s Searles Museum, whose knack for unraveling art mysteries leads her into real-life crimes. In A Head in Cambodia (2017), Jenna’s investigation of a stolen 11th-century stone head of Radha, consort to Krishna, pulls her into a murder case spanning Thailand and Cambodia. Critics, including Library Journal, praised its fresh voice in the crowded art mystery genre, earning it a 2018 Left Coast Crime nomination for Best Debut Mystery.
The sequel, A Death in Bali (2018), takes Jenna to Ubud, Bali, to study 20th-century Balinese paintings. Her plans unravel when she discovers the speared body of expat artist Flip Hendricks, plunging her into another high-stakes investigation. Tingley’s immersive descriptions of Balinese culture and art, paired with Jenna’s impulsive yet sharp sleuthing, create a thrilling read. Readers love how Tingley balances lush, educational settings with page-turning suspense, making each book a cultural adventure.
Tingley’s style is distinctive for its authenticity. Her insider perspective on the art world—dealers, forgers, and collectors—lends credibility, while her lush prose transports readers to far-flung destinations. Fans of Iain Pears and B.A. Shapiro find her work a perfect blend of intellect and intrigue, with Jenna Murphy emerging as a modern counterpart to classic female sleuths like Kinsey Millhone.
Why Nancy Tingley Matters
Nancy Tingley’s impact lies in her ability to bridge worlds—art and fiction, scholarship and storytelling. Her novels don’t just entertain; they invite readers to explore Asian art and culture through a lens of mystery and adventure. By spotlighting Southeast Asia, a region often underrepresented in Western fiction, she broadens readers’ horizons, making her books both escapist and enlightening. Her work resonates with art enthusiasts, mystery lovers, and armchair travelers alike.
Tingley’s transition from curator to novelist also inspires. She proves that specialized expertise can fuel creative reinvention, encouraging others to transform their passions into art. Her legacy, though still growing, is one of curiosity, creativity, and cultural celebration.
About Nancy Tingley
- Key Works: A Head in Cambodia (2017), A Death in Bali (2018)
- Award: Nominated for 2018 Left Coast Crime Best Debut Mystery for A Head in Cambodia
- Background: Former curator at the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Snag A Head in Cambodia and dive into Nancy Tingley’s thrilling blend of art and mystery! Whether you’re a sleuthing enthusiast or an art lover, Jenna Murphy’s adventures will keep you hooked.