Kelly Oliver | Bestselling Author

Jessica James

The Jessica James Mystery Series

Jessica James: like Nancy Drew if she drank Jack Daniels

“Crackles with energy… Jessica remains an instantly likable protagonist… fast-paced and engaging.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Kassy

The Pet Detective Mysteries

Middle grade series

“Kassy O’Roarke, Cub Reporter is a juicy middle grade mystery in which a young investigator learns that it’s okay to be vulnerable.”
—Foreword Reviews

Fiona

Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie in this highly entertaining WW1 series

Fiona Figg Mysteries

Kelly

Award-winning author

"Oliver has a good ear for dialogue and a keen instinct for pacing, and her scene-setting gets more evocative with every outing…”
—Kirkus Reviews

Kelly Oliver is the award-winning author of the Jessica James Mysteries, the Kassy O’Roarke Pet Detective series and Fiona Figg Mysteries.

When she’s not writing mystery novels, Kelly is a Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University, and the author of fifteen non-fiction books and over 100 articles on issues such as the refugee crisis, campus rape, women and the media, animals, and the environment. She has published in The New York Times and The Los Angeles Review of Books and has been featured on ABC news, CSPAN books, the Canadian Broadcasting Network, and various radio programs.

NEWS & EVENTS

Look for me at these yearly events: Bouchercon, Left Coast Crime, Malice Domestic, Killer Nashville, and Southern Festival of Books

See previous event photos

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Please join me and other writers on Mysteristas! Writers Talking Mystery… and More.

Praise

“If you are looking for some grit, thrills and chills this summer, look no further, the Jessica James Series is the Must Read series of the summer.”
—The Baltimore Sun (on the Jessica James books)

“The Jessica James Mysteries are edgy, thrilling and simply captivating in a gripping fashion that will never let go.”
—Chicago Tribune (on the Jessica James books)

“With a novel approach and unforgettable charm, Kelly Oliver gives us an enticing mystery with unique characters who bring the World War I era into sharp focus.”
—Author L.A. Chandlar (on the Fiona Figg books)

“This book delivers readers a good dose of humor while keeping the heartbreaking reality of war in the mix. This is one epic read.”
—The Los Angeles Post (on the Fiona Figg books)

“Filled with finely created characters, both human and animal, this brisk little novel is a spellbinder, one that is bound to gather a very strong audience committed to the series.”
—San Francisco Review of Books (on the Kassy O’Roarke books)

“A magnificent middle-grade story that will captivate readers with an exciting plot, relatable narrator, plenty of laughs, and a sprinkling of lessons. I loved this character and this book—so will you and your kids.”
—BookTrib Review (on the Kassy O’Roarke books)