Picture a storyteller weaving tales of murder and mystery in the gaslit streets of old New York—meet Victoria Thompson! This American author enchanted readers with her Gaslight Mysteries series, blending cozy historical intrigue with vivid turn-of-the-century settings. A mentor, educator, and champion of writers, Thompson’s legacy sparkles like the city she loved, even after her passing in 2024.
Born in Washington, D.C., in 1948, Thompson spun stories that transported readers to a bygone era, earning her a devoted following and critical acclaim. Let’s dive into the life and works of this remarkable author whose pen brought history to life!
The Making of Victoria Thompson
Victoria Ellen Straface, known to readers as Victoria Thompson, grew up with a knack for storytelling. A 1970 graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in English and Secondary Education, she initially wrote historical romances in the 1980s, publishing 20 novels. Her love for New York City blossomed when her daughter attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, inspiring her pivot to mysteries. Working as a fundraiser for the March of Dimes alongside midwives, Thompson found the perfect spark for her Gaslight Mysteries heroine, Sarah Brandt.
By 1996, when her romance publisher dropped her, Thompson seized an opportunity with Berkley Books, crafting a proposal for a mystery series set in 1900s New York. Her blend of historical detail and sleuthing savvy launched a career that would captivate mystery fans for decades.
Victoria Thompson’s Unforgettable Stories
The Gaslight Mysteries, starting with Murder on Astor Place (1999), follow midwife Sarah Brandt and Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy as they unravel crimes in a richly detailed New York City. With 27 books, including Murder on St. Mark’s Place (2000) and Murder in Rose Hill (2024), the series blends cozy mystery charm with gritty historical realism. Thompson’s knack for weaving social issues—like women’s rights and immigrant struggles—into her plots made her stories resonate.
Her Counterfeit Lady series, launched in 2018 with City of Lies, features Elizabeth Miles, a conwoman turned reformer in 1910s New York. This series, with seven books by 2023, showcases Thompson’s versatility, tackling themes of suffrage and justice with a lighter, adventurous tone. Her writing style, marked by sharp dialogue and immersive settings, earned nominations for Edgar and Agatha Awards, plus a 2011 RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award.
Thompson’s stories shine for their historical accuracy and character-driven narratives. Whether exploring Italian Harlem or Fifth Avenue mansions, she painted a New York that felt alive, inviting readers to step into Sarah’s or Elizabeth’s shoes.
Why Victoria Thompson Matters
Victoria Thompson didn’t just write mysteries—she shaped the genre and its community. Her Gaslight Mysteries brought historical cozies to new heights, inspiring authors and delighting readers with their blend of heart and suspense. As a professor at Seton Hill University’s MFA program from 2000 to 2023, she mentored countless writers, many of whom became published authors. Her role as a founding member of Novelists, Inc. and a public speaker further amplified her influence.
Thompson’s battle with cancer ended in August 2024, but her stories endure, offering timeless escapes into a vibrant past. Fans on platforms like Goodreads and Reddit mourned her loss, celebrating how her books rekindled their love for reading. Her work remains a testament to the power of storytelling to connect and inspire.
About Victoria Thompson
- Born: July 25, 1948, Washington, D.C.
- Key Works: Gaslight Mysteries, Counterfeit Lady series
- Awards: 2011 RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award, Edgar and Agatha nominations
- Died: August 23, 2024, Long Grove, Illinois
Snag Murder on Astor Place and dive into Victoria Thompson’s thrilling world of historical mystery!