📖 Overview
Sarah Andrews is an American author and professional geologist known for writing mystery novels featuring forensic geologist Em Hansen. Her fiction work effectively combines scientific expertise with crime fiction storytelling.
Andrews worked as a petroleum geologist before turning to writing, bringing extensive field experience and technical knowledge to her novels. The Em Hansen series began with "Tensleep" in 1994 and includes multiple titles that explore geological themes while solving crimes.
The author's background includes teaching at various institutions including Colorado School of Mines and consulting work in the energy industry. Her writing has earned several awards including the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Journalism Award.
Beyond fiction, Andrews has written non-fiction works about geology and contributed to scientific publications. Her dual expertise in geology and writing has made her a sought-after speaker at both literary and scientific conferences.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Andrews' ability to explain complex geology concepts within mystery plots. Many reviews mention learning about earth science while being entertained. The Em Hansen character receives praise for being relatable and technically competent.
What readers liked:
- Accurate geological details integrated naturally into stories
- Educational value without being dry
- Strong female protagonist in a male-dominated field
- Regional settings described with authority
What readers disliked:
- Some find the technical explanations too detailed or slow-paced
- Later books in series seen as formulaic by some readers
- Character relationships called underdeveloped
- Occasional complaints about unresolved plot threads
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: Em Hansen series averages 3.7/5 stars
Amazon: Most titles 4.0-4.3/5 stars
LibraryThing: Average 3.8/5 stars
One reader on Goodreads noted: "Finally, a mystery where the science feels real and necessary to the plot." An Amazon reviewer countered: "Too much geology lecture, not enough mystery."
📚 Books by Sarah Andrews
In Cold Pursuit - Geologist Valena Walker investigates a murder while doing research in Antarctica.
Dead Dry - Em Hansen investigates suspicious deaths related to water rights and drought in Colorado.
Rock Bottom - Em Hansen looks into the death of a paleontologist at the Grand Canyon.
Fault Line - Em Hansen investigates sabotage and murder at a California oil company.
Killer Dust - Em Hansen tracks down the truth behind deaths possibly linked to desert dust storms.
Only Flesh and Bones - Em Hansen searches for answers when a fellow geologist is found dead in Utah.
Bone Hunter - Em Hansen investigates fossil-related deaths in Wyoming's dinosaur country.
An Eye for Gold - Em Hansen works to solve murders connected to a Nevada gold mining operation.
Mother Nature - Em Hansen looks into deaths at an oil well site during a harsh Wyoming winter.
Tensleep - Em Hansen's first case involves murder and corruption in the Wyoming oil industry.
Dead Dry - Em Hansen investigates suspicious deaths related to water rights and drought in Colorado.
Rock Bottom - Em Hansen looks into the death of a paleontologist at the Grand Canyon.
Fault Line - Em Hansen investigates sabotage and murder at a California oil company.
Killer Dust - Em Hansen tracks down the truth behind deaths possibly linked to desert dust storms.
Only Flesh and Bones - Em Hansen searches for answers when a fellow geologist is found dead in Utah.
Bone Hunter - Em Hansen investigates fossil-related deaths in Wyoming's dinosaur country.
An Eye for Gold - Em Hansen works to solve murders connected to a Nevada gold mining operation.
Mother Nature - Em Hansen looks into deaths at an oil well site during a harsh Wyoming winter.
Tensleep - Em Hansen's first case involves murder and corruption in the Wyoming oil industry.
👥 Similar authors
Nevada Barr writes crime fiction featuring a female park ranger who solves murders in different national parks. Her protagonist Anna Pigeon brings expertise in geology and natural sciences to investigations, similar to Andrews' Em Hansen character.
Tony Hillerman sets mysteries in the American Southwest featuring Navajo tribal police officers. His books incorporate detailed knowledge of Native American culture and regional geology of the Four Corners area.
Aaron Elkins creates mysteries centered on forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver who analyzes bones and geological evidence to solve crimes. His background as a physical anthropologist informs the scientific aspects of his plots.
Christine Gentry writes crime fiction featuring geologist-turned-investigator McKenzie "Mac" Fergus. Her books incorporate field geology and mining operations as central plot elements.
William Kent Krueger develops mysteries set in Minnesota's Iron Range mining region featuring Cork O'Connor. His plots often involve geological resources and mining conflicts as drivers of criminal activity.
Tony Hillerman sets mysteries in the American Southwest featuring Navajo tribal police officers. His books incorporate detailed knowledge of Native American culture and regional geology of the Four Corners area.
Aaron Elkins creates mysteries centered on forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver who analyzes bones and geological evidence to solve crimes. His background as a physical anthropologist informs the scientific aspects of his plots.
Christine Gentry writes crime fiction featuring geologist-turned-investigator McKenzie "Mac" Fergus. Her books incorporate field geology and mining operations as central plot elements.
William Kent Krueger develops mysteries set in Minnesota's Iron Range mining region featuring Cork O'Connor. His plots often involve geological resources and mining conflicts as drivers of criminal activity.