Jessie Chandler
 |
 | The topic of this article may not meet Wikipedia's general notability guideline. (April 2011) |
Jessie Chandler | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Education | St. Cloud State University |
| Known for | Fiction |
Jessie Chandler (born August 16, 1968) is a Minnesota author of mystery and humorous caper fiction, most of which is about lesbian protagonists. Her work includes Bingo Barge Murders: A Shay O'Hanlon Caper (2011) and the forthcoming Hide 'N' Snake (2012). Chandler has presented talks about the craft of writing, serves as a mentor to many up-and-coming writers, and is a contributing member of The Golden Crown Literary Society.
Early life
Chandler was born in Minnesota, and was raised primarily by a single mother, her father having died when she was young. She spent part of her early life with her grandparents in Siren, Wisconsin, then lived with her school teacher mother until taking off to attend St. Cloud State University in Brainerd, Minnesota, where she received a degree in journalism. She met her long-time partner, Betty Chandler, almost two decades ago and married her in Iowa in 2010.
Chandler is currently the manager of True Colors Bookstore in Minneapolis, formerly Amazon Bookstore Cooperative, the oldest lesbian bookstore in North America. In recent years, Chandler has become a mentor and coach to many young and aspiring writers, especially through her work at The Golden Crown Literary Society. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime.
Writing career
Chandler is a member of the new breed of lesbian authors writing Mystery fiction who are not constrained by topic, content, or mainstream opinion. Her caper crime fiction falls into the same sub-genre as the work of noted authors such as Elizabeth Sims and Joan Opyr. A Mystery Lovers Bookstore review called the first novel a "winner" and "a delightful romp." About her first novel, Lavender (magazine) said: "Coffee, romance, murder, and dog all make for Minnesota nice-nice." In a pre-pub review, Library Journal listed the new book as "Truly Wacky," and Ellen Hart said: "Bingo Barge Murder is a solid first entry in the Shay O'Hanlon mystery series. Chandler writes with a wonderful sense of place, plenty of humor, and a crisp pace. The best part for me were the characters, which were so richly drawn that they felt like instant friends. This is a great read from the very first page!"
Novels
- Bingo Barge Murders: A Shay O'Hanlon Caper (2011)
- Hide 'N' Snake: A Shay O'Hanlon Caper (2012)
Story Contributions to Anthologies
- "Silent Night, Deadly Night" in Why Did Santa Leave A Body? Yuletide Tales of Murder and Mayhem (2010)
- "Sweet Spring Revenge" in Once Upon A Crime (forthcoming, 2011)
References
1. Jessie Chandler Biographical Information. JessieChandler.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-11.
2. Golden Crown Literary Society Golden Crown Literary Society. Retrieved on 2011-04-11.
3. Author bios at Midnight Ink. Retrieved on 2011-04-11.
4. Llewellyn Publications. Llewellyn Publications. Retrieved on 2011-04-11.
4. Kirkus Book Reviews. Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved on 2011-04-11.
6. Library Journal. Retrieved on 2011-04-12.
7. Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus Reviews, Retrieved on 2011-04-12.
8. Mystery Lovers Bookstore. Retrieved on 2011-04-12.