Picture a spirited storyteller who brought Victorian San Francisco’s foggy streets to life with a fearless female attorney—meet Shirley Tallman! This American author, celebrated for her Sarah Woolson mysteries, weaves historical fiction with a bold feminist flair, captivating readers with tales of murder and pluck in the 1880s. From her early days dreaming of stories to her success as a novelist and screenwriter, Tallman’s journey is as vibrant as the city she writes about.
The Making of Shirley Tallman
Born in Los Angeles, California, Shirley Tallman moved to the San Francisco Bay Area as a teenager, where the city’s rich history sparked her imagination. After earning a BA in Radio and Television from San Jose State University, she took to the skies as a Pan American World Airlines flight attendant, jotting down story ideas in notebooks during flights across the Orient and South Pacific. Balancing marriage, children, and a syndicated newspaper column, Tallman honed her craft, determined to turn her scribbled dreams into published novels.
Shirley Tallman’s Unforgettable Stories
Tallman’s Sarah Woolson mysteries, set in 1880s San Francisco, are her crown jewel. The series follows Sarah Woolson, a trailblazing attorney defying a male-dominated world to solve gripping murder cases. Her debut, Murder on Nob Hill (2004), introduces Sarah as she defends a society matron accused of killing her abusive husband, blending courtroom drama with social commentary. The Russian Hill Murders (2005) sees Sarah tackling poisoning cases tied to a charity hospital, while The Cliff House Strangler (2007) unfolds during a stormy séance gone deadly. Scandal on Rincon Hill (2010) and Death on Telegraph Hill (2012) cement Tallman’s knack for vivid settings and intricate plots. Her style—lively, atmospheric, and laced with feminist themes—draws comparisons to Anne Perry and Rhys Bowen, earning praise for its authentic historical detail and plucky heroine.
Before her mysteries, Tallman wrote contemporary romances under the pseudonym Erin Ross, penning ten Harlequin/Silhouette novels in the 1980s that landed her on bestseller lists. Her screenwriting career, in partnership with Nancy Hersage, includes TV scripts for NBC, ABC, and CBS, plus films like The Babysitter’s Seduction. This versatility showcases Tallman’s ability to craft compelling narratives across genres.
Why Shirley Tallman Matters
Shirley Tallman’s work resonates for its celebration of strong women who challenge societal norms. Through Sarah Woolson, she reimagines the past, giving voice to those sidelined by history. Her meticulous research and evocative prose transport readers to a bustling, gritty San Francisco, while her stories inspire with their message of resilience. As a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, Tallman has left a mark on the historical mystery genre, delighting fans who crave smart, spirited heroines.
- Born in Los Angeles, raised in San Francisco Bay Area
- Key works: Murder on Nob Hill, The Russian Hill Murders, The Cliff House Strangler, Scandal on Rincon Hill, Death on Telegraph Hill
- Wrote romances as Erin Ross in the 1980s
- Screenwriter for NBC, ABC, CBS, and Paramount Studios
About Shirley Tallman
Snag Murder on Nob Hill and dive into Shirley Tallman’s thrilling historical mysteries—perfect for fans of feisty heroines and twisty plots!