Picture a North London storyteller who spun a 1930s ocean liner diary into a gripping tale of suspense—meet Rachel Rhys! Writing under a pseudonym, this psychological thriller author, also known as Tammy Cohen, has enchanted readers with historical mysteries that blend glamour, tension, and unforgettable settings. Her debut, A Dangerous Crossing, launched her into the literary spotlight, proving she’s a master of weaving past eras with pulse-pounding drama.
Rachel Rhys’s novels transport you to a world of elegant cruise ships and sun-drenched Rivieras, where secrets lurk beneath the surface. With a knack for crafting relatable heroines and evocative backdrops, she’s carved a niche in historical fiction that feels both luxurious and thrilling. Let’s dive into her journey, from her roots to her lasting impact!
The Making of Rachel Rhys
Rachel Rhys is the pen name of Tammy Cohen, a seasoned journalist turned novelist who swapped newsrooms for the allure of fiction. Born in Nigeria due to her anthropologist father’s work, she grew up globetrotting before settling in North London. After studying American Studies at Manchester University, she spent two decades writing for magazines like Marie Claire and The Times. Her leap into fiction came at 47, driven by a lifelong dream and a discovery: a servant girl’s 1930s diary, which inspired her historical mystery debut.
Cohen’s experience crafting psychological suspense as Tammy Cohen gave her the tools to create layered, suspenseful narratives. Adopting the Rachel Rhys persona allowed her to explore a slower, more atmospheric style, perfect for historical settings. This shift wasn’t just a name change—it was a creative liberation, letting her imagination roam across decades and continents.
Rachel Rhys’s Unforgettable Stories
Rachel Rhys’s novels are like stepping into a vintage postcard with a dark twist. Her debut, A Dangerous Crossing (2017), follows Lily Shepherd, a young woman on a 1939 ocean liner to Australia, where war looms and onboard tensions boil. Inspired by a real diary, the novel’s Agatha Christie-esque suspense earned it a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. Readers praised its immersive pre-war atmosphere and morally complex characters.
Fatal Inheritance (2018) whisks us to the 1948 French Riviera, where housewife Eve Forrester inherits a villa from a stranger. As she unravels the mystery, danger creeps closer. The novel’s lush descriptions and slow-burn suspense make the Côte d’Azur a character in itself. Island of Secrets (2020) and Murder Under the Tuscan Sun (2023) continue Rhys’s knack for exotic locales, blending 1950s Cuba and 1920s Italy with betrayal and intrigue.
Rhys’s style is cinematic, with vivid settings and heroines who shed societal constraints to chase independence. Her psychological suspense roots shine through in taut pacing and unreliable characters, while her historical research—think 1940s cine footage or Fitzgerald’s Riviera—grounds each story in authenticity. Fans love how she balances glamour with gritty human struggles.
Why Rachel Rhys Matters
Rachel Rhys has redefined historical mystery by infusing it with psychological depth and feminist undertones. Her heroines, often ordinary women like Lily or Eve, defy their era’s expectations, resonating with modern readers seeking stories of empowerment. Her ability to evoke bygone eras while tackling universal themes—identity, freedom, betrayal—has earned her a loyal following and critical acclaim, including award nominations like the HWA Endeavour Ink Gold Crown.
Beyond her novels, Rhys inspires aspiring writers, showing it’s never too late to chase a dream. Her transition from journalism to fiction, and her bold reinvention under a pseudonym, highlight her versatility and courage. In a genre often dominated by predictable tropes, Rhys’s fresh voice keeps historical fiction vibrant and relevant.
- Pen Name: Rachel Rhys (Tammy Cohen)
- Key Works: A Dangerous Crossing, Fatal Inheritance, Island of Secrets, Murder Under the Tuscan Sun
- Awards: Richard and Judy Book Club pick, HWA Endeavour Ink Gold Crown nominee
Snag A Dangerous Crossing and dive into Rachel Rhys’s thrilling world of historical suspense—you’ll be hooked!