Picture a Tennessee storyteller weaving mysteries that pull you into the heart of Nashville’s shadows and beyond—meet Phyllis Gobbell! A native of the Volunteer State, Gobbell has spent four decades crafting tales that blend cozy mysteries, gripping true crime, and poignant short fiction. From her award-winning Jordan Mayfair Mystery Series to her chilling accounts of Nashville’s high-profile cold cases, her work captivates readers with its vivid settings and intricate plots.
As an associate professor of English at Nashville State Community College, Gobbell not only spins stories but also inspires the next generation of writers. Her dedication to the craft and her knack for uncovering human truths make her a standout voice in Southern literature.
The Making of Phyllis Gobbell
Born and raised in Tennessee, Phyllis Gobbell grew up in a small farming community near the Alabama border, where storytelling was as natural as the rolling hills. Her early life, marked by modest means and a mother’s creative resourcefulness, shaped her appreciation for crafting something from nothing—a theme that echoes in her writing. Gobbell earned a B.S. in Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and an M.A. in English from Austin Peay State University. Her academic path led her to teaching, but her passion for writing took root early, blossoming through short stories published in anthologies like HomeWorks alongside literary giants like Alex Haley.
Her career gained momentum in the 1990s when she co-founded the Nashville Writers Alliance, a group that still meets weekly. This community fueled her growth, leading to awards like the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Individual Artist Award in Fiction and a Pushcart nomination for her story “Primates.”
Phyllis Gobbell’s Unforgettable Stories
Gobbell’s bibliography is a vibrant tapestry of genres. Her Jordan Mayfair Mystery Series, starting with Pursuit in Provence (2015), follows architect Jordan Mayfair as she solves crimes across picturesque locales like France, Ireland, and Italy. The series’ third book, Treachery in Tuscany (2018), won the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Cozy Mystery, praised for its “plot twists and intrigue” and vivid Tuscan backdrop. The latest, Notorious in Nashville (2023), dives into Music City’s clash of old and new, earning a Top Pick for the same award.
Beyond fiction, Gobbell’s true crime works, An Unfinished Canvas (2007) and A Season of Darkness (2010), co-authored with Mike Glasgow and Douglas Jones, respectively, unravel Nashville’s haunting cold cases—the Janet March disappearance and Marcia Trimble murder. These books blend meticulous research with narrative depth, earning her a spot on Discovery ID’s “Deadly Sins.” Her short fiction and creative nonfiction, like the award-winning essay “In the Car with Mother on Christmas Eve,” showcase her ability to capture personal and universal truths.
Gobbell’s style is immersive, blending rich settings with complex characters. Whether it’s Jordan Mayfair navigating a convent’s dark secrets or a grieving family seeking justice, her stories resonate with authenticity and heart, often exploring themes of redemption and resilience.
Why Phyllis Gobbell Matters
Phyllis Gobbell’s impact lies in her ability to bridge genres and generations. Her mysteries offer escapism with a Southern twist, while her true crime narratives shed light on Nashville’s darker chapters, giving voice to victims and their families. As an educator, she has shaped countless writers, fostering creativity through her teaching and leadership in the Nashville Writers Alliance. Her awards, including multiple Leslie Garrett Fiction Prizes, affirm her literary prowess, yet her true legacy is her storytelling’s emotional depth.
In a world of fleeting trends, Gobbell’s work endures, inviting readers to explore human nature through cozy mysteries or chilling realities. Her Southern roots and universal themes make her a treasure for fans of mystery and true crime alike.
- Born: Tennessee, USA
- Key Works: Jordan Mayfair Mystery Series, An Unfinished Canvas, A Season of Darkness, Prodigal
- Awards: Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award, Tennessee Arts Commission’s Individual Artist Award, Pushcart Prize nomination
Snag Pursuit in Provence or Notorious in Nashville and dive into Phyllis Gobbell’s thrilling world of mystery and heart!