A Jersey girl born and bred, national bestselling author Rosie Genova left her heart at the shore, which serves as the setting for much of her work. The atmosphere of the Jersey shore is present in the details, whether it’s the smell of the sea, the sound of a Springsteen song, or the taste of a frozen custard on the boardwalk. And no summer is complete unless she has sand in her shoes.

Her series, the Italian Kitchen Mysteries, is informed by her deep appreciation for good food and her love of classic mysteries, from Nancy Drew to Miss Marple. The first book in the series, Murder and Marinara, was voted a Best Cozy of 2013 by Suspense Magazine and was a finalist for a 2014 Daphne Award.