Nan S. Russell

Nan S. Russell is an American author of mystery fiction. Previously, she wrote non-fiction books on business and career topics. She is best known for creating the Mallory Grayson Mysteries series. Her most recent novel is Mummy's Locket (2026).

Nan S. Russell was born in Montana. She was raised and educated in California. She later attended graduate school in Michigan.

Russell began her career in human resources and communication. She worked in culture development throughout much of her career. She eventually became Vice President of Communication for a large company. The company was based in Pennsylvania.

Russell later left corporate life to pursue writing. She moved to work from the Rocky Mountains. She first settled in northwestern Montana. She spent roughly a decade writing non-fiction books and articles. Her non-fiction focused on leadership, trust, and workplace culture.

Russell had long wanted to write fiction as well. She has said this ambition existed for years. The pandemic became a turning point for her writing. She has said it sparked her move toward fiction.

During this period, Russell studied the craft of fiction writing. She took online classes to develop new skills. She began working on her first mystery novel. She hoped it would launch a longer series.

In 2026, she published Mummy's Locket through Next Chapter. This became the first book in her Mallory Grayson Mysteries series. The novel follows thirty-year-old Mallory Grayson. After her grandmother's death, Mallory loses her inheritance.

Mallory leaves her sheltered former life behind. She moves to the quiet town of Jasper Falls, New York. There she opens a vintage shop for a fresh start. The shop is filled with her family's remaining heirlooms.

Mallory's new life soon takes a disturbing turn. The mummified body of her great-grandmother is discovered. The woman had been missing since 1933. Mallory begins investigating clues found among old possessions.

Her search leads her to a hidden room. She uncovers long-buried details of her family's history. The investigation reveals a blackmail scheme from the past. It also exposes a murder still affecting the present.

Mallory's ex-fiancé returns during the course of events. The growing danger draws closer to her own life. She must decide whether to protect her family's secret. Alternatively, she can choose to reveal the full truth.

The novel repeats a phrase drawn from Mallory's favourite T-shirt. She reminds herself, "No rain, no rainbow," throughout the story. This mantra reflects her attempt to rebuild her life. It also reflects the novel's broader themes of resilience.

Russell is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. She also belongs to the Rocky Mountain chapter of Mystery Writers of America. Alongside writing, she runs a vintage shop on Etsy. She also keeps a booth at a local antique mall.

Nan S. Russell now lives along the Front Range in Colorado.

Photo credit: www.nanrussell.com