
Unsettling wills, forgotten keys, and yellowing photographs, these are my favorite types of clues. I write mysteries where overlooked objects hold as many secrets as the characters. — Jan Rydzon

I’ve loved reading mysteries for as long as I can remember–the ones with family secrets, surprising twists, and clever amateur detectives. Eventually, I started writing my own, usually set in places that fascinate me like old mansions, crumbling ruins, and forgotten towns. But it’s creating the characters that live there, with their flaws, secrets and resilience, that make writing the most fun.
I think that’s why I continue to be inspired by classic authors like Agatha Christie and Daphne du Maurier, as well as many contemporary writers. Their characters and settings are enviable, layered with small telling details that bring fictional worlds to life. Something I strive to do in my own work.
This site is where I’ll share the stories behind my stories and other topics I hope you’ll enjoy.
Thank you for visiting!
It’s been my dream to publish a novel. Now that dream is a reality. Misery Cove, a mystery set in a fictional, coastal town in… Keep reading →
There’s a small Michigan town my sisters and I still visit. A place we’ve known for decades. They love it. I have mixed feelings. The… Keep reading →
This past week, I signed off on the final proof of Misery Cove—a surreal moment after months (actually years) of writing, revising, and reworking. Some… Keep reading →
Lately I’ve noticed a difference in some of the mystery series I’ve been watching. Along with the usual clever plots and twists, some of them… Keep reading →
Old houses intrigue me, and I notice them wherever I go. It started when I was about twelve with an Italianate-style house in the faded… Keep reading →