V.S. Kemanis

V.S. Kemanis is a well-known American author who specializes in writing thriller, mystery, crime fiction, and suspense stories. She is particularly famous for creating the character of prosecutor Dana Hargrave, who is the chief protagonist in her mystery series of the same name. Kemanis has had a varied and exciting career in both the arts and law fields, which has greatly influenced her writing.

In her legal career, Kemanis has worked as a criminal prosecutor for county and state agencies, arguing criminal appeals for both the prosecution and defense. She has also conducted complex civil litigation and worked for appellate judges and courts, most recently as a supervising editor of appellate decisions. Kemanis' law career has allowed her to indulge in intricate arguments and has given her a deep understanding of the criminal justice system, which is reflected in her writing.

In addition to her law career, Kemanis is also an accomplished dancer and has performed, taught, and choreographed in California, Colorado, and New York. She is an expert in modern jazz, contemporary styles, and classical ballet. Kemanis' background in the arts has also greatly influenced her writing, giving her a unique perspective and style.

Kemanis' short fiction has been widely published in literary journals, anthologies, and magazines such as Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, The Crooked Road Volume 3, The Best Laid Plans, and Me Too Short Stories. Her award-winning stories are collected in five volumes, including Your Pick: Selected Stories, which won the 2019 Eric Hoffer Award for best story collection. Her novels of legal suspense feature prosecutor Dana Hargrove, who, like the author, juggles family life with a high-powered professional career in criminal justice. Kemanis is a member of the Mystery Writers of America.