Nancy Pickard

Nancy Pickard is a highly accomplished American author, renowned for her crime fiction and mystery novels. Born in 1945, Pickard hails from Missouri and began her writing career at the age of 35. She is a versatile writer, having produced not only crime novels but also short stories, and her work has been recognized with numerous awards throughout her career.

Pickard's journey as a writer began in 1984 with the publication of her first novel, "Generous Death," which was the inaugural book in the Jenny Cain series of crime novels. This series, which contains ten books, has garnered significant attention and acclaim from readers. The second installment in the series, "Sleep, Small Death," won Pickard an Anthony Award, foreshadowing the success of the series and her career as a whole.

Pickard's accolades include five Macavity Awards, four Agatha Awards, an Anthony Award, and a Shamus Award. She is the only author to have won all four of these prestigious awards, making her a standout figure in the world of crime fiction. In addition to her success in the realm of crime fiction, Pickard also wrote "The Virgin of Small Plains," a novel published in 2007 that won an Agatha Award. She has also served on the board of directors of the Mystery Writers of America, further solidifying her status as a prominent and respected figure in the literary world.

Pickard earned her journalism degree from the University of Missouri, which provided her with a solid foundation for her writing career. Her journalistic background is evident in her clear, concise writing style and her ability to craft compelling narratives that keep readers engaged. With her impressive body of work and numerous awards, Pickard has established herself as a leading voice in the world of crime fiction and mystery novels.