Picture a Detroit storyteller who weaves art, antiques, and small-town charm into cozy mysteries that keep you guessing—meet Tracy Gardner! A former art authenticator turned novelist, Gardner crafts intricate puzzles with heart, earning her a spot as a rising star in the cozy mystery genre. Her debut, Ruby Red Herring, snagged a New York Public Library Best 100 nod and a Mary Higgins Clark Award nomination, proving her knack for blending empathy and suspense.
Born and raised in the Motor City, Gardner’s unique blend of nursing and storytelling infuses her work with warmth and detail. Her mysteries aren’t just whodunits—they’re heartfelt journeys through quirky communities, sparkling with wit and a touch of romance. Let’s dive into the world of Tracy Gardner and discover why her stories are must-reads!
The Making of Tracy Gardner
Growing up in Detroit, Tracy Gardner was the daughter of two teachers, surrounded by books and rock ‘n’ roll. She devoured Nancy Drew mysteries, planting the seeds for her future as a mystery writer. Writing since she could hold a pen, Gardner never imagined it as a career—college and a “real job” were the plan. Instead, she became a registered nurse, working as a visiting nurse in rural Michigan, where her empathy and keen eye for detail shaped her storytelling. Her leap into writing came later, sparked by a lifelong love of crafting stories and a nudge from her agent to try a cozy mystery pitch.
Tracy Gardner’s Unforgettable Stories
Gardner’s novels are cozy mysteries with a twist—think antiques, art, and small-town vibes wrapped in complex puzzles. Her Avery Ayers Antique Mystery series kicks off with Ruby Red Herring (2021), where gemologist Avery Ayers unravels a ruby theft tied to her parents’ deaths. The book’s vivid settings, from Lilac Grove to Manhattan, and its cast of eccentric characters, like Aunt Midge and her Afghan hound, make it a page-turner. It earned a 2022 Mary Higgins Clark Award nomination and a New York Public Library Best 100 spot.
The follow-up, Peril at Pennington Manor (2022), sees Avery tackling a murder and fake jewels at a Hudson Valley estate, blending suspense with romantic sparks. Gardner’s Shepherd Sisters Mystery series, starting with Out of the Picture (2019), follows former art authenticator Savanna Shepherd solving murders in a Lake Michigan town. The trilogy, including Behind the Frame (2020) and Still Life and Death (2021), shines with sisterly bonds and community charm. Gardner’s style is empathetic yet thrilling, with richly detailed settings and twists that keep readers hooked.
Writing as Jess Sinclair, she also penned What We Could Have Been (2024), a women’s fiction novel that won the Storytrade Women’s Fiction Award, showcasing her versatility. Her stories often explore family, friendship, and resilience, reflecting her belief in “ride-or-die besties and plenty of chocolate” as life’s essentials.
Why Tracy Gardner Matters
Tracy Gardner’s impact lies in her ability to make cozy mysteries feel fresh and heartfelt. Her background as a nurse brings authenticity to her characters, who navigate loss and danger with grit and grace. By centering stories around art and antiques, she carves a unique niche in a crowded genre, appealing to fans of Jane K. Cleland and Paige Shelton. Her awards and nominations highlight her growing influence, while her small-town settings resonate with readers craving connection and intrigue. Gardner’s stories remind us that even in cozy mysteries, empathy and complexity can steal the show.
- Born: Detroit, Michigan
- Key Works: Ruby Red Herring, Peril at Pennington Manor, Out of the Picture, What We Could Have Been (as Jess Sinclair)
- Awards: 2022 Mary Higgins Clark Award finalist, 2024 Storytrade Women’s Fiction Award winner
- Fun Fact: She’s a registered nurse who splits her time between Michigan and Florida’s Gulf Coast!
Snag Ruby Red Herring and dive into Tracy Gardner’s cozy, art-filled mysteries—you’ll be hooked by the first twist!