Jessie Chandler

Jessie Chandler
Born (1968-08-16) August 16, 1968 (age 58)
Grantsburg, Wisconsin, U.S.
EducationSt. Cloud State University
Known forFiction, crime fiction
AwardsAnn Bannon Popular Choice Award for Bingo Barge Murder (2012)

Jessie Chandler (born August 16, 1968) is an American author of mystery and humorous caper fiction, most of which feature lesbian protagonists. Her work includes the Shay O'Hanlon Caper series, as well as other novels and short stories. 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, Sisters in Crime, and serves on the board of Mystery Writers of America.

Early life and education

Chandler was born in Grantsburg, Wisconsin.[citation needed] She was primarily raised by her single mother, her father having died before she was born.[citation needed] She spent part of her early life with her grandparents in Siren, Wisconsin, then lived with her mother, a school teacher, in the Minneapolis – Saint Paul metro area until attending St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where she received a bachelor's degree in journalism.[citation needed]

Career

A former police officer, Chandler has worked in management at both Borders Books and True Colors Bookstore in Minneapolis, previously known as Amazon Bookstore Cooperative.[citation needed]

Chandler writes Mystery fiction and caper crime fiction.[citation needed] Her work has been compared to that of other lesbian authors such as Elizabeth Sims, Ann McMan, and Joan Opyr.[citation needed]

A Mystery Lovers Bookstore review called her first novel a "winner" and "a delightful romp." Lavender magazine said: "Coffee, romance, murder, and dog all make for Minnesota nice-nice." In a pre-publication 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!"[citation needed]

Chandler is a mentor and coach to new and aspiring writers, including through her work at The Golden Crown Literary Society, where she has judged the literary awards, served on conference panels, and provided T-shirts for the yearly conference.[citation needed] She is also a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, for which she critiques unpublished authors.[citation needed] From 2021-2022, she served on the board of Mystery Writers of America.

Awards and recognition

Selected works

Novels

Anthologies edited

Anthologies containing Chandler's short fiction

Personal life

She was with a long-time partner for 28 years, but they parted in 2023.

She lives in Oregon.[citation needed]

References

  1. ↑ Crown, Golden. "2012 Ann Bannon Winners". Golden Crown Literary Society. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  2. ↑ Mystery Lovers Bookstore. "Bingo Barge Murder". Mystery Lovers Reviews. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  3. ↑ EB Boatner (24 March 2011). "The Page Boy". Lavender Magazine. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  4. ↑ MWA. "Board of Directors". Mystery Writers of America. Retrieved 2021-03-25.
  5. ↑ "Previous Goldie Winners". GCLS. 1 January 1970. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  6. ↑ "American Book Fest". American Book Fest. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  7. ↑ "Past Alice B Medal Winners". The Alice B Awards. 26 March 1937. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  8. ↑ "Jessie Chandler". Amazon. Retrieved 26 March 2021.