Picture a Chinese-born storyteller who turned Victorian romance into a dazzling art form—meet Sherry Thomas! With her lush prose and genre-defying tales, Thomas has captivated readers worldwide, earning accolades like the Romance Writers of America RITA Award. From historical romances to a gender-flipped Sherlock Holmes, her journey from dictionary-toting teen to literary star is as enchanting as her stories.
The Making of Sherry Thomas
Born in Qingdao, China, in 1975, Sherry Thomas moved to the United States at thirteen, diving into English with the help of romance novels and an English-Chinese dictionary. Inspired by authors like Rosemary Rogers and Laura Kinsale, she honed her craft while earning degrees in economics and accounting. After becoming a stay-at-home mom, a frustrating read sparked her writing journey, leading to her debut novel after eight years of persistence.
Sherry Thomas’s Unforgettable Stories
Thomas’s novels blend lyrical prose with complex characters, often exploring unrequited love and hard choices. Her debut, Private Arrangements (2008), a Victorian romance, earned a Publishers Weekly Best of the Year nod for its steamy, smart storytelling. Not Quite a Husband (2009) and His at Night (2010) clinched RITA Awards, showcasing her knack for emotional depth. The gender-bending A Study in Scarlet Women (2016), first in the Lady Sherlock series, reimagines Sherlock Holmes as Charlotte Holmes, earning NPR’s Best Book of the Year for its clever mysteries. Her young adult fantasy, The Burning Sky (2013), and wuxia-inspired The Magnolia Sword (2019) highlight her versatility across genres.
Thomas’s style is a masterclass in world-building, whether evoking Victorian England or Imperial China. She weaves historical details—like the cost of living or social norms—into gripping narratives, ensuring the story remains king. Her characters, layered with hidden depths, deliver moments of revelation that keep readers hooked.
Why Sherry Thomas Matters
Sherry Thomas has redefined historical romance with her innovative narratives and diverse settings, earning praise from peers like Lisa Kleypas, who calls her “the most powerfully original historical romance author working today.” Her Lady Sherlock series challenges gender norms, while her multicultural perspective enriches the genre. With starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, Thomas inspires readers and writers to embrace complex, heartfelt stories.
- Born: 1975, Qingdao, China
- Key Works: Private Arrangements, A Study in Scarlet Women, The Magnolia Sword
- Awards: Two-time RITA Award winner (2010, 2011)
Snag A Study in Scarlet Women and dive into Sherry Thomas’s spellbinding world of romance and mystery!