Valerie Wilson Wesley
Valerie Wilson Wesley is an American author of mysteries, adult-theme novels, and children's books, and a former executive editor of Essence magazine. She is the author of the Tamara Hayle mystery series. Her writings, both fiction and non-fiction, have also appeared in numerous publications, including Essence, Family Circle, TV Guide, Ms., The New York Times, and the Swiss weekly magazine Die Weltwoche.
Background
Wesley grew up in Ashford, Connecticut. She is African-American. She graduated from Howard University and earned master's degrees from the Bank Street College of Education and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. A former resident of East Orange, New Jersey, she now lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with her two daughters and playwright husband Richard Wesley.Published books
Afro-Bets Book of Black Heroes from A to Z: An introduction to important Black achievers for young readers, with Wade Hudson When Death Comes Stealing, a Tamara Hayle mystery Devil's Gonna Get Him, a Tamara Hayle mystery Where Evil Sleeps, a Tamara Hayle mystery Freedom's Gifts: A Juneteenth story, illustrated by Sharon Wilson No Hiding Place, a Tamara Hayle mystery Easier to Kill, a Tamara Hayle mystery Ain't Nobody's Business if I Do The Devil Riding, a Tamara Hayle mystery Always True to You in My Fashion How to Lose Your Class Pet, illustrated by Maryn Roos Dying in the Dark: A Tamara Hayle mystery How to Fish for Trouble, illustrated by Maryn Roos How to Lose Your Cookie Money, illustrated by Maryn Roos 23 Ways to Mess up Valentine's Day How to Ruin Your School Play, illustrated by Maryn Roos- ''Playing My Mother's Blues''
Awards and honors
- 1993 – Griot Award from the New York Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists
- 1995 – Nominee for Shamus Award for Best First P.I. Novel
- 2000 – Excellence in Adult Fiction award from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association