Author Talk: Historical Fiction with Vanessa Riley

The Author Series Committee at the Detroit Public Library welcomes acclaimed and bestselling author Vanessa Riley. She will be visiting Detroit to discuss her latest novel, Fire Sword and Sea (William Morrow, 2026). In 17th-century Tortuga, Jacquotte Delahaye defies the world’s expectations. The Black woman of mixed heritage, the future ship captain disguises herself as a man to sail as a pirate—fighting for freedom, justice, and survival. Alongside a fearless crew of female buccaneers, Jacquotte challenges empire, betrayal, and the limits placed on women. Fire Sword and Sea is a bold tale of rebellion, love, and high-seas adventure.

Copies of Vanessa's books will be available for purchase from Source Booksellers.

About Vanessa: Vanessa Riley is an acclaimed author known for captivating novels such as Island Queen, a Good Morning America Buzz Pick, and Queen of Exiles, an ABC View Lit Pick. She was honored as the 2024 Georgia Mystery/Detective Author of the year for M**der in Drury Lane and the 2023 Georgia Literary Fiction Author of the Year for Sister Mother Warrior. Her craft highlights hidden narratives of power, love, and sisterhoods of Black women and women of color in historical fiction, romance, and mystery genres. Her works have received praise from publications like the Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Publisher Weekly, and the New York Times.

In addition to penning over twenty-five novels, Vanessa holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Stanford University and STEM degrees from Penn State, adding a research-oriented approach to her writing while emphasizing inclusive storytelling about the Caribbean, Georgian, and Regency eras.

As a member of Regency Fiction Writers, Crime Writers of Color, Mystery Writers of America, Women's Fiction Writers Association, Christian Book Lovers Retreat, and the Historical Novel Society, Vanessa advocates for diverse voices. She's also working to increase Sickle Cell Anemia awareness. When she's not writing, she can be found baking, crafting her Trinidadian grandma's recipes, or relaxing on her southern porch sipping caffeine.

This is NOT a ticketed event, which means seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration is highly encouraged in order to receive important updates about this author visit. Questions? Email [email protected].

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