About My Books
If you enjoy fiction that’s challenging but accessible, that may lead you to look at the world through a different lens, that ultimately affirms the good, the beautiful, and the true—you’ve come to the right place.
I’m an Orthodox Christian, and my sacramental worldview informs everything I write, though the genres I write in range far and wide and may not always be easily identifiable. Themes like redemption, community, self-knowledge, and faith pervade my work. I don’t write sanitized or preachy “Christian fiction” but stories that grapple with the dark side of human nature while insisting that redemption is always possible if only we will seek it.
If this sounds ultra-serious, be assured that humor is another common element in my books, along with lots of literary allusions, a striving for beautiful prose, and often a dash of romance.
Ten Random Things About Me
- I hate being told I have to choose just one thing. So in addition to contemporary fiction with a supernatural twist, I write traditional mysteries, picture books, and middle-grade fiction. On the horizon: a historical mystery series.
- I have a degree in Russian Literature from Reed College. I’ve read War and Peace in Russian, but I can’t carry on a decent conversation in it anymore. I’m great at nodding and smiling, though.
- Like my character Emily, I love classic literature, cats, knitting, and everything antique. Unlike her, I am also a card-carrying geek. (iWhatsit? Ooh—shiny!)
- I live in the world’s largest suburb—Vancouver, Washington. The big box stores are annoying, but at least there are trees. And grandchildren.
- When I was younger and fitter, I led a semi-pro Renaissance dance troupe. Until my recent move, I still had the authentic Elizabethan costume I made. (Now my cosplay-loving daughter has it.)
- Sunday mornings will usually find me at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Portland, Oregon, attempting to sing along with the choir.
- Despite the fact that we are not from Lake Wobegon, all my four children and four grandchildren are above average.
- I am a natural-born redhead (with the skin cancers to prove it).
- My maiden name, Bolger (with a soft “g”), comes from County Cork. To the best of my knowledge, I am not related to either Ray or Fredegar.
- I spend one delightful, refreshing week each year on a writing retreat in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, the inspiration for the fictional town of Stony Beach, in which Crime with the Classics is set. Excuse me, I have to step into my Tardis* and head back there now.
*Only in my dreams, alas.