Carol McCleary

Carol McCleary is an American author primarily known for her historical mystery novels featuring Nellie Bly, the pioneering 19th-century female journalist, as the protagonist. The author's series began with "The Alchemy of Murder" (2010) and includes subsequent titles like "The Illusion of Murder" and "The Formula for Murder." Her books combine historical figures like Jules Verne, Louis Pasteur, and Oscar Wilde with fictional narratives set in the Victorian era. McCleary's work is characterized by extensive historical research, particularly regarding late 19th century journalism, science, and social conditions. Her novels frequently explore themes of women's rights and investigative journalism through the lens of real historical events. The author maintains a relatively private personal profile, with limited public information available about her life and career outside of her published works in the mystery genre.

Readers note McCleary's commitment to historical research and incorporation of real events and figures into her Nellie Bly mystery series. On Goodreads, fans highlight the strong female protagonist and period details, with one reader commenting "perfect blend of fact and fiction about the real journalist Nellie Bly." Critics point to pacing issues and overlong historical descriptions that slow the narrative. Some find the mysteries predictable and the writing style uneven. A recurring complaint is that the fictional elements don't always mesh smoothly with the historical components. Average Ratings: The Alchemy of Murder - 3.4/5 (Goodreads), 3.8/5 (Amazon) The Illusion of Murder - 3.3/5 (Goodreads), 3.7/5 (Amazon) The Formula for Murder - 3.5/5 (Goodreads), 3.9/5 (Amazon) No Truth Left to Tell - 3.4/5 (Goodreads), 3.8/5 (Amazon) Total reviews across platforms: ~2,000 Most reviews fall in the 3-4 star range.

The Alchemy of Murder (2010) American reporter Nellie Bly investigates a series of murders in 1889 Paris while crossing paths with Jules Verne, Louis Pasteur, and Oscar Wilde.

The Illusion of Murder (2011) Nellie Bly encounters intrigue and danger during her famous 72-day journey around the world, becoming entangled in a murder mystery in Egypt.

The Formula for Murder (2012) Nellie Bly travels to London to investigate the death of a fellow female journalist, leading her into the dark world of Jack the Ripper and H.G. Wells.

No Job for a Lady (2014) Nellie Bly pursues a story about Thomas Edison's latest invention while investigating murders connected to New York's opium dens and Chinatown.