Picture an American geologist who swapped oil rigs for murder mysteries, weaving science into page-turning tales—meet Sarah Andrews! A master of forensic geology, Andrews captivated readers with her Em Hansen series, blending gritty detective work with the wonders of earth science. Her unique storytelling earned her fans among mystery lovers and accolades from scientific communities alike, proving rocks can be as thrilling as whodunits.
Andrews didn’t just write stories; she brought geology to life, making complex concepts accessible and fun. Her novels, set against rugged landscapes, invite readers to solve crimes through a geologist’s lens, earning her a special place in both literature and science.
The Making of Sarah Andrews
Born around 1949, Sarah Andrews grew up with a passion for the earth, nurtured by her parents—an art teacher and an English teacher. She earned a B.A. in geology from Colorado College and later an M.S. from Colorado State University. Her early career took her to the U.S. Geological Survey and oil companies like Amoco, where she honed her expertise in petroleum geology. But a downturn in the oil industry sparked a new path: writing mysteries that married her scientific knowledge with her knack for storytelling.
Andrews’s transition wasn’t just a career pivot; it was a bold leap into uncharted territory. Inspired by her mentor, USGS geologist Eddie McKee, and her love for the Grand Canyon, she crafted stories that celebrated geology’s role in solving real-world problems—and fictional crimes.
Sarah Andrews’s Unforgettable Stories
At the heart of Andrews’s work is the Em Hansen series, featuring a tough, relatable forensic geologist who uses science to crack cases. Her debut, Tensleep (1994), set at a Wyoming oil-drilling site, introduced Em as a “plain and lumpy” heroine whose geological savvy unravels a murder. Critics praised its fresh setting and vivid scientific detail, with Publishers Weekly noting how Andrews made “geology come to life.”
Fault Line (2003) dives into earthquake science in Salt Lake City, where Em investigates a geologist’s murder amid seismic chaos. Rock Bottom (2012), the eleventh in the series, takes readers on a white-water rafting trip through the Grand Canyon, tackling creationism versus science while solving a murder. In Cold Pursuit (2007) shifts to Antarctica, showcasing Andrews’s versatility with a new protagonist, Valena Walker, and research funded by a National Science Foundation grant.
Andrews’s style is a seamless blend of suspense, science, and social commentary. Her novels explore themes like environmental issues, women in STEM, and the clash between science and religion, all wrapped in tight, character-driven plots. Her ability to weave technical detail into engaging narratives made her a standout in the scientific mystery genre.
Why Sarah Andrews Matters
Sarah Andrews did more than write mysteries; she bridged science and storytelling, inspiring readers to see geology as a tool for understanding the world. Her Em Hansen series empowered women in science, portraying geologists as problem-solvers in a male-dominated field. Awards like the American Association of Petroleum Geologists’ Journalism Award (1999) and the Geological Society of America’s President’s Medal (2016) reflect her impact on both literature and geoscience.
Her lectures on geology, mystery writing, and science communication further amplified her influence, sparking curiosity in students and professionals alike. Though Andrews tragically passed away in 2019, her legacy endures through her novels, which continue to educate and entertain.
About Sarah Andrews
- Born: Circa 1949
- Key Works: Tensleep, Fault Line, Rock Bottom, In Cold Pursuit
- Awards: AAPG Journalism Award (1999), GSA President’s Medal (2016), Antarctic Service Medal (2006)
- Notable: Professional geologist, licensed pilot, and Sonoma State University instructor
Ready to dig into a mystery where rocks tell the story? Grab Tensleep or Rock Bottom and dive into Sarah Andrews’s thrilling world of forensic geology!