Picture a storyteller who whisked readers to the gritty streets of 1930s Berlin and the shadowy tunnels beneath New York—meet Rebecca Cantrell! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Cantrell has thrilled audiences with her historical mysteries and contemporary suspense novels, blending meticulous research with heart-pounding narratives. Her ability to weave past and present into unforgettable tales has earned her a devoted following and prestigious awards.
The Making of Rebecca Cantrell
Born in the United States, Rebecca Cantrell’s journey to literary stardom was shaped by her global experiences. Fluent in German, she graduated from the John F. Kennedy Schule in Berlin and studied at the Freie Universität in Berlin and Georg August Universität in Göttingen before earning a degree from Carnegie Mellon University. Her time in Berlin, especially witnessing the remnants of history like a faded pink triangle at Dachau, sparked her fascination with the past. At seven, she decided to become a writer, a dream she pursued by quitting her job, selling her house, and moving to Hawaii to focus on her craft.
Rebecca Cantrell’s Unforgettable Stories
Cantrell’s Hannah Vogel series, set in 1930s Berlin, is a masterclass in historical suspense. The first novel, A Trace of Smoke, introduces Hannah, a crime reporter navigating a city on the brink of Nazi rule. This debut won the 2010 Sue Feder Historical Mystery Macavity and Bruce Alexander Awards, lauded for its vivid depiction of Weimar Germany’s final days. Sequels like A Night of Long Knives and A City of Broken Glass further showcase Cantrell’s knack for blending personal drama with historical upheaval.
Beyond historical fiction, Cantrell’s versatility shines in the Joe Tesla series, featuring an agoraphobic billionaire confined to New York’s underground tunnels. The series opener, The World Beneath, won the 2014 International Thriller Writers’ Best Ebook Original Award, praised for its claustrophobic tension and innovative setting. Cantrell also co-authored the gothic Order of the Sanguines trilogy with James Rollins, starting with The Blood Gospel, a New York Times bestseller that merges archaeology, mythology, and supernatural thrills. As Bekka Black, she penned the YA novels iDrakula and iFrankenstein, reimagining classics through modern technology.
Her writing style—marked by rich historical detail, complex characters, and relentless pacing—bridges genres effortlessly. Whether exploring Berlin’s cabarets or New York’s subway labyrinths, Cantrell’s stories resonate with themes of resilience and survival, drawing readers into worlds both familiar and fantastical.
Why Rebecca Cantrell Matters
Rebecca Cantrell’s impact lies in her ability to humanize history and illuminate its relevance today. Her Hannah Vogel series not only entertains but also sheds light on the moral complexities of pre-WWII Germany, earning praise for its authenticity and emotional depth. By tackling diverse genres, from historical mysteries to supernatural thrillers, she has expanded the boundaries of suspense fiction. Her awards, including the ITW Thriller and Macavity, underscore her influence, while her global perspective—shaped by living in Berlin and Hawaii—enriches her storytelling. Cantrell’s work continues to inspire readers to explore the intersections of history, identity, and courage.
- Born: United States
- Key Works: A Trace of Smoke, The World Beneath, The Blood Gospel
- Awards: ITW Thriller, Macavity, Bruce Alexander
- Fun Fact: She’s fluent in German and once lived in Berlin!
Ready to dive into a world of intrigue and history? Snag A Trace of Smoke or The World Beneath and lose yourself in Rebecca Cantrell’s thrilling tales!