Picture an American storyteller who spun a tale of mathematics and mystery so gripping it landed on best-of lists—meet Nova Jacobs! With a knack for blending cerebral puzzles with heartfelt family drama, Jacobs has carved a unique niche in contemporary literature. Her debut novel, The Last Equation of Isaac Severy, took the literary world by storm, proving she’s a force to be reckoned with.
From her roots in an unconventional family to her celebrated status as a Nicholl Fellowship recipient, Jacobs’s journey is as fascinating as her stories. Let’s dive into the life and works of this captivating author who makes complex ideas feel like a cozy mystery.
The Making of Nova Jacobs
Growing up in Flagstaff, Arizona, Nova Jacobs was part of a family that embraced their quirks, proudly shunning the mainstream. Her parents’ disregard for fitting in and their love for the rugged outdoors shaped her early years, fostering a sense of ‘otherness’ that later infused her writing. Feeling like an outsider among her peers, Jacobs found solace in stories, particularly crime fiction and science-driven narratives. This blend of influences led her to the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, where she earned an MFA and honed her storytelling craft. Her screenwriting prowess earned her the prestigious Nicholl Fellowship from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a nod to her ability to weave compelling narratives.
Moving to Los Angeles for its film culture, Jacobs found herself equally drawn to the scientific buzz of Caltech and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. This fascination with the intersection of creativity and intellectual rigor became the spark for her literary career, setting the stage for her unique brand of mystery.
Nova Jacobs’s Unforgettable Stories
Jacobs’s debut, The Last Equation of Isaac Severy (2018), is a literary mystery that follows Hazel Severy, a bookseller tasked with finding her grandfather’s dangerous mathematical equation. Described as a ‘Royal Tenenbaums-esque’ tale, it blends family dysfunction, intellectual intrigue, and a treasure hunt for a formula that could predict life and death. Critics lauded its wit and accessibility, naming it a Wall Street Journal Best Mystery of 2018 and earning it a 2019 Edgar Award nomination.
Her follow-up, The Stars Turned Inside Out (2024), takes readers to CERN’s particle physics lab, where a physicist’s mysterious death unravels a thrilling whodunit. Praised for its ‘bewitching’ take on science and suspense, it was named a Best Mystery of 2024 by The Wall Street Journal. Jacobs also co-wrote Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident, a New York Times bestselling true-crime book, showcasing her versatility. Her style—marked by sharp dialogue, eccentric characters, and a knack for making math and science approachable—has won over readers who might shy away from such themes.
Jacobs’s stories stand out for their ability to balance whimsy with weighty issues. Whether exploring family bonds or the ethical dilemmas of scientific discovery, her work invites readers into worlds where intellect and emotion collide, all wrapped in a page-turning mystery.
Why Nova Jacobs Matters
Nova Jacobs has redefined the literary mystery by infusing it with scientific curiosity and human warmth. Her ability to make abstract concepts like chaos theory or particle physics feel relatable has broadened the genre’s appeal, inviting readers who might not typically pick up a science-driven novel. Her focus on dysfunctional yet lovable families resonates universally, offering a mirror to readers navigating their own quirks and connections.
As a Nicholl Fellow and Edgar nominee, Jacobs has earned her place among contemporary authors pushing boundaries. Her work inspires curiosity about the world’s mysteries—both mathematical and personal—making her a vital voice in modern literature. Living in Los Angeles with her husband, Jeremy, she continues to craft stories that captivate and challenge.
- Key Works: The Last Equation of Isaac Severy, The Stars Turned Inside Out, Dead Mountain
- Awards: Nicholl Fellowship, 2019 Edgar Award nominee
- Residence: Los Angeles, California
Snag The Last Equation of Isaac Severy and dive into Nova Jacobs’s thrilling world of clues and chaos—it’s a puzzle you won’t want to put down!