Tasha Alexander
Tasha Alexander was born Anastasia Gutting in South Bend, Indiana, on December 1, 1969. She is the daughter of two University of Notre Dame philosophy professors—Gary and Anastasia Gutting. Tasha grew up in a household steeped in intellectual curiosity, she was “surrounded by books.” From a young age, she felt she was “born in the wrong century,” even imagining herself under the dining-room table as a pioneer in a covered wagon—always with a book in her hand.
Tasha studied English Literature and Medieval History at Notre Dame, where her passion for the written word and historical narrative deepened. These fields—literature, and history—eventually formed the foundation of her acclaimed work in historical mysteries.
In 2002, while living in New Haven, Connecticut, Alexander encountered Dorothy L. Sayers’s Gaudy Night. Captivated by its blend of intellect, mystery, and the world of academia, she began drafting what would become And Only to Deceive. Acquired by William Morrow (a HarperCollins imprint) and published in 2005, the novel introduced readers to Lady Emily Ashton, launching the long-running Lady Emily series.
Set during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, the Lady Emily series blends historical authenticity with intricate mysteries. Featuring Lady Emily Ashton and her husband, Colin Hargreaves, the series spans a globe-trotting investigative journey—from the salons of London to the grand palazzi of Europe.
The sequence of novels—beginning with And Only to Deceive (2005), A Poisoned Season (2007), and A Fatal Waltz (2008) and stretching to titles as recent as A Cold Highland Wind (2023)—combines well-researched period detail with sharp plotting. Along the way, Alexander has woven in short stories such as “The Bridal Strain” (2009) and “Amid the Winter’s Snow” (2018), enriching the series’ tapestry.
In 2007, Alexander crafted the novelization Elizabeth: The Golden Age, based on the screenplay for the Cate Blanchett film Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Though she remains best known for Lady Emily, her writing appears in anthologies such as Private Investigations (2020), Echoes of Sherlock Holmes (2016), and Kwik Krimes (2013).
Alexander’s books frequently land on bestseller lists, earning her status as a New York Times bestselling author. Several of her novels—such as Tears of Pearl (2009) and A Fatal Waltz (2008)—were nominated for the Lefty Award for Best Historical Mystery. Critics have praised her seamless blending of historical setting and mystery crafting: Bookpage lauds her prose as “elegant, supremely assured,” while Fresh Fiction, reviewing Death in St. Petersburg (2017), applauded her “dazzling portrait” of Tsarist Russia combined with a compelling murder narrative.
Alexander describes herself as something of a nomad. Raised in Indiana, she has lived in Amsterdam, London, Connecticut, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wyoming, each move shaping her sense of place and history. While living in Tennessee she found herself starting her second novel while sitting in a Starbucks. These experiences have not only influenced her writing but also provided her with a rich tapestry of personal stories and memories.
In 2010, she married British crime novelist Andrew Grant (also known as Andrew Child), brother of Lee Child. The couple divides their time between Chicago and southeastern Wyoming, where they reside in a log house—an aesthetic nod to her childhood “covered‑wagon” fantasy. Alexander credits her husband with helping polish her English characters while she does the American ones in his work—a literary exchange powered by shared craft and culture.
Alexander’s dedication to writing as a disciplined craft is a recurring theme in interviews and blog posts. She emphasizes the necessity of showing up—writing daily, resisting perfectionism, and treating creativity like a job. Though inspired by the Muse, she believes deadlines and commitment allow stories to come to life. Her unwavering commitment to her craft is not only admirable but also inspiring, showing that with dedication and discipline, even the most creative endeavors can be turned into a successful career.
With 19 Lady Emily books—and counting—Tasha Alexander has become a literary sensation, captivating readers across the globe with her historical mysteries. Her work, translated into numerous languages, has garnered a diverse and dedicated readership. As she teases The Sisterhood, the 19th book due in September 2025, it’s clear that her international appeal and literary influence show no signs of slowing down. Her ability to connect with readers from all corners of the world, transcending language and cultural barriers, creates a sense of global community among her fans.
What sets Tasha Alexander’s writing apart is her ability to seamlessly blend romance, suspense, history, and intellectual puzzles with literary quality. Her novels are a masterful combination of these elements, creating an engaging and enriching reading experience. Tasha Alexander’s journey—from fantasy-filled childhood and scholarly roots to international travel and bestseller success—has shaped a career rich in historical mystery, beloved characters, and literary craftsmanship.
Lady Emily Series:
1. And Only to Deceive (2005)
2. A Poisoned Season (2007)
3. A Fatal Waltz (2008)
4. Tears of Pearl (2009
5. Dangerous to Know (2010)
6. A Crimson Warning (2011)
7. Death in the Floating City (2012)
8. Behind the Shattered Glass (2013)
9. The Counterfeit Heiress (2014)
10. The Adventuress (2015)
11. A Terrible Beauty (2016)
12. Death in St. Petersburg (2017)
13. Uneasy Lies the Crown (2018)
14. In the Shadow of Vesuvius (2020)
15. The Dark Heart of Florence (2021)
16. Secrets of the Nile (2022)
17. A Cold Highland Wind (2023)
18. Death by Misadventure (2024)
19. The Sisterhood (2025)