Faculty member weaves criminal justice background into mystery novels

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — A Penn State Harrisburg faculty member has channeled her work in the criminal justice field into a new arena – writing mystery novels. 

Shauntey James, assistant teaching professor of criminal justice in the School of Public Affairs, has published three mystery novels, in which she said she aims to intertwine engaging storytelling with academic insights. 

“This fusion offers readers both entertainment and a deeper understanding of complex societal issues,” James said.

As a faculty member, James’ research has focused on criminal justice and women’s issues. She co-authored the book “The History, Evolution, and Current State of Female Crime: Recommendations for Advancing the Field,” and she has published numerous journal articles on subjects such as campus sexual violence, gender and sexual assault. 

A few years ago, James was experiencing burnout, she said, and an aunt, who has since passed away, encouraged her to write purely for enjoyment. The advice rekindled James’ creativity and ultimately inspired her to pursue fiction, particularly murder mysteries, she explained.

“It’s important to me that my academic work serves as the foundation for everything I write in my novels,” she said. “My goal is to take what readers believe to be true and gently shift their perspective — just enough to spark curiosity. Ideally, after finishing the book, they’ll feel compelled to explore the research behind it, opening the door to meaningful discussion. I believe real change begins with conversation, and fiction can be a powerful catalyst for that.” 

James’ first novel, “Murder: Secrets Among Colleagues,” is set on a college campus, with a plot involving murder and sexual misconduct. Her next two novels are a set of “Tia Taylor” mysteries called “The Locked Room” and “Another Twist,” with stories that revolve around a woman and her niece working to solve a mystery. 

“While my fiction often centers on murder, the true heart of these stories lies in relationships,” James said. “Too often, when people think about crime, they overlook the fact that it stems from human connection fraught, complex and deeply emotional.” 

James said she uses her platform to amplify voices that are frequently marginalized or ignored. Through her academic work; her podcast, "Women and Justice"; and presentations, she said she invites others to engage with difficult but necessary discussions and topics, such as sexual violence, women's issues and female offenders.  

“These are not just stories; they are echoes of real experiences,” she said. “If we fail to listen to these voices, we risk losing them forever. Through fiction, I aim to preserve them, provoke thought, and inspire dialogue that might otherwise never begin.”