Picture an American storyteller who weaves romance, suspense, and interstellar adventures with a mischievous grin—meet Pauline Baird Jones! Known as 'Perilous Pauline,' this USA TODAY Bestselling Author has carved a unique niche in romantic suspense, science fiction, and steampunk, blending heart-pounding plots with humor and heart. From her Lonesome Lawmen series to the cosmic thrills of Project Enterprise, Jones’s stories captivate readers with their wit and fearless genre-hopping.
With a knack for crafting characters who face danger and love in equal measure, Jones has built a loyal following. Her playful embrace of her 'Dead Author Live' persona—sparked by a quirky Goodreads glitch claiming she passed in 1999—sets the tone for her delightfully unconventional approach. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this genre-rampaging wordsmith!
The Making of Pauline Baird Jones
Born on August 28, 1955, in Powell, Wyoming, Pauline Baird Jones grew up with four brothers, an experience she credits for her sharp wit and understanding of conflict. Raised in a family where her father was an entrepreneur and her mother a homemaker, Jones developed a vivid imagination, finding solace in stories. Her early love for reading fueled her desire to write, but it was her siblings’ antics that taught her some characters need love, while others need a fictional bullet. After marrying geologist Gregory L. Jones in 1975, she began channeling her creativity into writing, eventually moving from Wyoming to New Orleans and later Houston.
Jones’s writing career kicked off with romantic suspense, a natural fit for her blend of peril and passion. Her debut novel, The Spy Who Kissed Me (originally Pig in a Park), earned a 1998 Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nomination, marking her as a fresh voice. Her aversion to reality, as she jokingly admits, pushed her to explore science fiction and steampunk, where she could break rules and bend worlds.
Pauline Baird Jones’s Unforgettable Stories
Jones’s bibliography is a genre-blending playground, with over 100 works, including series like Lonesome Lawmen, Project Enterprise, and The Big Uneasy. The Last Enemy (1999), the first in the Lonesome Lawmen series, follows romance author Dani Gwynne as she outwits a killer in a suspense-packed chase. Its thrilling pace and sharp dialogue showcase Jones’s knack for blending danger with emotional depth.
In The Key (2007), the first of the Project Enterprise series, Jones ventures into sci-fi romance, pairing a stranded pilot with an alien castaway in a galaxy-spanning adventure. The novel’s mix of cosmic battles and heartfelt romance won a Bronze IPPY and Dream Realm Award. Out of Time (2007), an EPPIE winner, sends a modern reporter back to World War II, weaving historical accuracy with time-travel thrills. Jones’s style—fast-paced, witty, and rich with strong heroines—shines across these works, earning praise for its humor and world-building.
Her ability to roam genres, from noir-inspired suspense to interstellar epics, reflects her Godzilla-like approach: rampaging through conventions with glee. Whether it’s a glue-gun-wielding heroine or an alien warlord, Jones’s characters face impossible odds with sass and heart, making her stories both thrilling and relatable.
Why Pauline Baird Jones Matters
Pauline Baird Jones’s impact lies in her fearless genre-blending and her ability to craft stories that resonate with readers seeking adventure and emotion. Her strong, sassy heroines—like Sara in The Key or Dani in The Last Enemy—have redefined expectations in romantic suspense and sci-fi, inspiring fans and fellow authors. Awards like the Dorothy Parker Award of Excellence and her contributions to anthologies like Pets in Space highlight her influence in niche genres.
Beyond her books, Jones’s playful engagement with fans, through her 'Dead Author Live' YouTube channel and social media, fosters a community that celebrates creativity and humor. Her work reminds us that stories can be both escapist fun and deeply human, leaving a lasting mark on contemporary fiction.
- Born: August 28, 1955, Powell, Wyoming
- Key Works: The Spy Who Kissed Me, The Key, Out of Time, The Last Enemy
- Awards: Bronze IPPY, Dream Realm Award, EPPIE 2007
- Hobbies: Collecting flamingoes, mid-century modern items, and expanding her Lego city
Snag The Key or The Last Enemy and dive into Pauline Baird Jones’s thrilling, genre-bending world—where peril meets passion and humor rules!