Picture an American storyteller who whisks you to the gritty, plague-ridden streets of 17th-century London—meet Susanna Calkins! With a Ph.D. in history and a knack for spinning gripping mysteries, Calkins crafts tales that blend meticulous research with heart-pounding suspense. Her award-winning Lucy Campion series follows a clever chambermaid-turned-printer’s apprentice, unraveling murders amidst the chaos of England’s tumultuous past.
A historian by day and novelist by night, Calkins balances her role at Northwestern University with her passion for storytelling. Her unique ability to breathe life into a bygone era has captivated readers and earned her accolades in the historical mystery genre. Let’s dive into her fascinating journey and the stories that make her a standout voice.
The Making of Susanna Calkins
Born on November 3, 1971, in Philadelphia, Susanna Calkins grew up with a love for mysteries and Victorian literature, devouring works by Agatha Christie and Anne Perry. Her fascination with history led her to Northwestern University, where she earned a Master of Science in education, followed by a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in history from Purdue University. Once a pirate—yes, really!—serving on a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hinde, Calkins channeled her adventurous spirit into academia, teaching history at the University of Louisville before joining Northwestern’s Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching.
Her writing career sparked during her doctoral studies, inspired by 17th-century murder ballads—gruesome songs that fueled her imagination. After years of teaching and research, she penned her debut novel, A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate, weaving her historical expertise into fiction. That persistence paid off, launching a career that blends scholarship with storytelling.
Susanna Calkins’s Unforgettable Stories
Calkins’s Lucy Campion Mysteries, set in 1660s London, are her crowning achievement. The series follows Lucy, a determined chambermaid who becomes a printer’s apprentice, solving crimes in a city ravaged by plague and the Great Fire. Her debut, A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate (2013), introduces Lucy’s tenacity as she investigates a servant’s murder, earning nominations for the Mary Higgins Clark and Agatha Awards. From the Charred Remains (2014) delves into the aftermath of the Great Fire, with Lucy uncovering a stabbed corpse amidst the ashes.
The Masque of a Murderer (2015), a standout, won the 2016 Macavity Award for Best Historical Novel, praised for its vivid depiction of Quaker struggles and printing presses. A Death Along the River Fleet (2016) explores mental illness in the period, showcasing Calkins’s knack for weaving social issues into suspense. Her later works, like Death Among the Ruins (2023), continue Lucy’s adventures, blending murder with themes of class and justice.
Calkins’s style is immersive, with richly detailed settings that make 17th-century London a character in itself. Her plots are tightly woven, balancing historical accuracy with Lucy’s pluck and resourcefulness. Fans of Anne Perry and C.S. Harris will find her mysteries both thrilling and thought-provoking, grounded in her deep historical knowledge.
Why Susanna Calkins Matters
Susanna Calkins has carved a niche in historical mysteries, bringing 17th-century England to life for modern readers. Her meticulous research—drawing from her academic background—illuminates lesser-known aspects of the era, like the fire courts or Quaker persecution, making her novels both entertaining and educational. Lucy Campion, a rare female sleuth in a male-dominated world, resonates with readers for her grit and empathy, challenging societal norms of her time.
Beyond her novels, Calkins’s dual career as an educator and author inspires aspiring writers, proving that passion and persistence can bridge academia and art. Her contributions to the genre, recognized by awards and critical acclaim, cement her as a vital voice in historical fiction.
- Birth Date: November 3, 1971
- Key Works: A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate, The Masque of a Murderer, Death Among the Ruins
- Awards: Macavity Award (2016), Agatha and Mary Higgins Clark nominations
- Fun Fact: Once worked on a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship!
Snag A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate and dive into Susanna Calkins’s thrilling historical mysteries—perfect for anyone craving a smart, suspenseful escape!