Victoria Trumbull/Martha's Vineyard Mystery

Cynthia Riggs (1931-2022) was an American author best known for her novels on historical and contemporary themes. Born in Kansas, Riggs's early life and education are not well-documented. She began publishing novels in her 50s, with notable works including "War Brides" (1983), "The Countess" (1987), and "The Fire" (1991). "The Fire" was shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. Riggs's writing explored themes of family, love, and the complexities of human relationships. Her historical novels were praised for their meticulous research and evocative portrayal of past eras. She received several awards for her work, including the Rosenthal Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Despite critical acclaim, Riggs's novels did not achieve widespread commercial success. Nonetheless, she is recognized as a skilled and underappreciated writer whose historical fiction remains relevant and engaging to readers interested in the past and its echoes in the present.