Nina de Gramont Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Collections

About Nina de Gramont

The American writer Nina de Gramont is notable for her well-written and engaging mystery novels, many of which are historical. She’s also written novels for the Young Adult market too, making her one of the most versatile authors currently working within her field. Paying close attention to detail, she researches each of her books extremely well, too, bringing the era she’s writing about to life. This meticulous approach to her work has secured her a large following of fans worldwide, rapidly growing day by day.

A hugely versatile writer too, she has a talent for adapting to various styles, something which she’s managed time and time again. Throughout her career, she’s also established a unique voice of her own, ensuring that she stands out from other writers within her field. All this while keeping the reader enthralled and turning the page, as her books are highly entertaining. Not only that, but she makes sure to deliver a strong message, too, saying just what it is that she wants to say with her work.

Her use of characters is another important factor to consider when it comes to Gramont’s work as well, creating unique and interesting protagonists. Many of her characters come alive on the page, speaking directly to the reader almost as they resonate more personally. There’s a lot to admire in her sense of professionalism when it comes to writing, not least how she holds it all together, making intricately plotted stories. With lots more to come, too, she’s a writer who will carry on growing as an author, as there’s a lot more planned on the horizon for the future.

Early and Personal Life

Born in Englewood, New Jersey, in the United States, Nina de Gramont, also known as Marin Gessner, grew up with a passion for literature. Developing her craft over the years, she would come to find her own voice as an author, becoming adept at writing for readers both young and old. Attending Colorado College, she would receive her B.A. there before going on to get her Creative Writing M.F.A from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Going on to work and teach at the same university, she is an assistant professor there and is married to fellow writer David Gessner who also works at the university. Teaching fiction at the Harvard Extension School, she’s become a key figure in the literary community, with a lot to say and offer. Currently living in Wilmington, North Carolina, she continues to write on a regular and consistent basis, with more to follow.

Writing Career

The first full novel Nina de Gramont would write was titled ‘Gossip of the Starlings,’ and it was a Young Adult coming-of-age novel published back in 2008. This title would pave the way for her writing career to follow, as she would go on to publish several other stand-alone novels over the intervening years. Not one for writing series as such, she would become a versatile author, applying her style to several different genres, including Young Adult and mystery.

Prior to all this, she would publish a collection of short stories called ‘Of Cats and Men,’ which was published back in 2001. She would also create a collection of non-fiction essays alongside Karen E Bender titled ‘Choice,’ which was a book centered around female reproductive rights. One of her novels, ‘The Distance From Me to You’ written in 2015, would later be optioned for a film adaptation by HBO Max.

The Christie Affair

Initially released through the ‘St. Martin’s Press’ publishing label, this book first came out in 2022 on the 1st of February. A stand-alone mystery novel, the book uses a historical setting featuring the real-life character of mystery novelist Agatha Christie. Fictionalizing a story set around a real event that happened to her, it mixes fact with fiction to create an entirely self-contained story.

Taking place in London in 1925, this sees Archie Christie, the husband to famous writer Agatha Christie, being lured away from his wife. Becoming his mistress, Miss Nan O’Dea has a plan hatched and one that will create an even bigger mystery for the novelist. Known for disappearing for eleven days, it’s what Agatha discovered during that time and what she came to learn here. Why did Nan do what she did, can Agatha ever get to the bottom of it, and what is the truth behind the Christie Affair?

Using a real-life mystery, this book takes the infamous disappearance of Agatha Christie and crafts its own mystery from it. The story and the characters are very well-plotted, with strong motivations featured throughout along the way, making for a more than compelling book. It’s an engaging novel that’s written in both a clear and confident style, pushing the story forwards in a highly intelligent manner.

Gossip of the Starlings

First coming out in 2008, this was originally published on the 28th of May that year, as it would be a stand-alone Young Adult novel. Set in a boarding school, it wasn’t a part of any series as such, with an entirely self-contained story largely focusing on two central characters. Published through the ‘Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill’ publishing label, this would be a highly entertaining novel for younger readers.

Told to reform her ways, Catherine Morrow is admitted to Esther Percy School for Girls, where she must change for the better. Meeting Skye Butterfield there, though, Catherine is led astray by the charismatic and beautiful daughter of Senator Butterfield, with Skye constantly pushing the boundaries. With the stakes constantly being raised, Catherine feels it hard to say no to Skye as Catherine is drawn into the dangerous world of Esther Percy. Where will her journey take her, can she manage to keep her head above water, and what will become of the gossip of the Starlings?

It’s a fun and exciting book for the Young Adult demographic, really making the most of its compelling and interesting premise. There’s lots of character at the heart of it, as it truly resonates with its younger audience, making for a very well-written story. Knowing her audience well, Gramont understands where to take her story and exactly what to do with it.