Kristine Kathryn Rusch is a highly accomplished American author who has made a name for herself in multiple genres, including mystery, romance, fantasy, science fiction, and mainstream fiction. She has written numerous novels under various pen names, such as Kristine Grayson for romance and Kris Nelscott for mystery. Her work has gained significant recognition, with her novels appearing on bestseller lists in various countries and being translated into 13 different languages.
One of Rusch's well-known pen names is Kris Nelscott, which she uses for her mystery novels. The Smokey Dalton series, written under the Nelscott name, has received high praise and numerous accolades. The first book in the series, "A Dangerous Road," won the Herodotus Award for Best Historical Mystery and was shortlisted for the Edgar Award for Best Novel. The series' subsequent books have also been critically acclaimed, with "Thin Walls" being recognized as one of the Chicago Tribune's best mysteries of the year, and "Days of Rage" being chosen as one of the top ten mysteries of the year by Kirkus. This series has also been compared to the works of notable authors like Walter Mosley and Raymond Chandler.
Kristine Kathryn Rusch is not only a successful solo author but also a prolific collaborator, having written several books with her husband, Dean Wesley Smith, who is also a writer. Rusch's versatility and productivity as an author have established her as a significant figure in the contemporary American literary scene. Her work continues to captivate readers and earn critical acclaim in multiple genres.