Jessie Chandler

Jessie Chandler (born August 16, 1968) is an American author of mystery and humorous caper fiction, most of which is about lesbian protagonists. Her work includes Bingo Barge Murder: A Shay O'Hanlon Caper (2011), Hide and Snake Murder (2012), and the forthcoming Pickle in the Middle Murder (2013). 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.

Jessie Chandler
Jessie Chandler, crime fiction author
Born (1968-08-16) August 16, 1968
Grantsburg, Wisconsin
NationalityAmerican
EducationSt. Cloud State University
Known forFiction
Awards2012 Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award for Bingo Barge Murder[1]

Early life

Chandler was born in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, and raised primarily by a single mother, her father having died before she was born.[2] She spent part of her early life with her grandparents in Siren, Wisconsin, then lived with her school teacher mother in the Minneapolis – Saint Paul metro area until taking off to attend St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where she received a bachelor's degree in journalism. She met her long-time partner, Betty Chandler, almost two decades ago, and they were finally able to marry in Iowa in 2010.

A former police officer, Chandler has most recently been the manager of True Colors Bookstore in Minneapolis, previously known as Amazon Bookstore Cooperative, the oldest lesbian bookstore in North America. As her writing career has gathered steam, Chandler has become a mentor and coach to many young and aspiring writers, especially through her work at The Golden Crown Literary Society where she has judged the literary awards and provided T-shirts for the yearly conference. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers.

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 subgenre as the work of noted lesbian authors such as Elizabeth Sims and Joan Opyr.

A Mystery Lovers Bookstore review[3] called the first novel a "winner" and "a delightful romp." Lavender (magazine) said: "Coffee, romance, murder, and dog all make for Minnesota nice-nice."[4] 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!"

Awards
  • 2012 Golden Crown Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award for "Bingo Barge Murder"
  • 2013 Golden Crown Literary Society Goldie for Best Mystery/Thriller for "Hide & Snake Murder"
  • 2014 USA Best Book Awards for Fiction for "Chip of the Old Ice Block"
  • 2015 USA Best Book Awards for Fiction for "Operation Stop Hate"
  • 2016 Golden Crown Literary Society Goldie for Best Anthology with Lori L. Lake "Lesbians on the Loose: Crime Writers on the Lam"

Novels
  • Bingo Barge Murder: A Shay O'Hanlon Caper (2011)
  • Hide and Snake Murder: A Shay O'Hanlon Caper (2012)
  • Pickle in the Middle Murder: A Shay O'Hanlon Caper (2013)
  • Chip Off the Old Ice Block: A Shay O'Hanlon Caper (2014)
  • Operation Stop Hate: Book 1 in the Operation Series (2015)
  • Blood Money Murder: A Shay O'Hanlon Caper (2016)
  • The Art Thief (forthcoming, 2017)

Anthologies Edited
  • Lesbians on the Loose: Crime Writers on the Lam, edited with Lori L. Lake (2015)

Anthologies Containing Jessie's Short Fiction
  • "Fury" in Women in Uniform: Medics & Soldiers & Cops, Oh My! (2010)
  • "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 (2011)
  • "Sweet Spring Revenge" in Lesbians on the Loose: Crime Writers on the Lam, edited with Lori L. Lake (2015)
  • "Red Velvet Cake to Die For" in Cooked to Death: Tales of Crime & Cookery (2016)
  • "Evolution of an Art Thief" in The Law Game (2016)
  • "The Purple Monkey" in Happily Ever After: Romantic Stories by Bella Authors (2016)
  • "The Pink Pussy" in Women in Sports: Hot, Sweaty, Sexy, Oh My! (2016)
  • "Who Knew" in Conference Call (2017)

References
  1. Crown, Golden. "2012 Ann Bannon Winners". Golden Crown Literary Society. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  2. Kaner, Elyse. "Coon Rapids woman pens humorous murder mystery". ABC Newspapers. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  3. M, L. "Bingo Barge Murder". Mystery Lovers Reviews. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  4. Boatner, EB. "The Page Boy". Lavender Magazine. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
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