Jennifer
Hawes
Award-winning author and school librarian. Writer of young adult and middle-grade mysteries.
About Me
I was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and have spent most of my life in the Midwest. My elementary school was built in the 1800s and resembled a haunted mansion complete with rooftop fire escape slide, shadowy hallways, and hidden staircases. My love for crime fiction fueled my dreams of becoming Nancy Drew’s sidekick.
Since that didn't work out, I became a teacher, a librian, and a writer of mysteries and magic. I currently live with my family in Mark Twain’s boyhood home town of Hannibal, Missouri, located on the Mississippi River. When I’m not planning a murder (mystery), I can be spotted around town spying on the tourists for my next book. Shh! Don’t give away my secret. They think I’m one of them.
My Books
My first book Free Runner, published by Saguaro Books, was an Honorable Mention winner in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.
Book Lists & Recommendations
Top Ten & Then Some
If you love reading mysteries and ghostly suspense, then here's a list to get you started. Most of these authors have written a series for each one listed. So, don't stop with the first one!
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler
Chasing Vermeer
Three Times Lucky
The Screaming Staircase
Truly, Devious
City of Ghosts
The Wig in the Window
Murder Most Unladylike
Framed!
The School for Good & Evil
Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians
I've been nicknamed the evil librarian for my ability to stop a reading session at the most suspenseful moment. I regret nothing.
Hot Reads in the Library
What are kids reading these days? This is my most asked question as a school librarian.
Kids love non-fiction books on just about any topic: bugs, dinosaurs, famous people, weather, inventors, video games.
A favorite of all students regardless of age or gender is the graphic novel. This year I will be devoting an entire section in the libary to these beautifully illustrated books.
In fiction, I can't stock the shelves fast enough with mysteries and suspense. My "books on hold" list in these genres is a mile long.