An avid reader of mysteries, Vanessa Westermann is a former Arthur Ellis Awards judge, holds an M.A. in English Literature and a Bachelor of Education, and has taught creative writing. Cover Art, first of the Charley Scott Mysteries, was published to great acclaim in 2022. At the heart of all Westermann’s stories are strong female protagonists inspired by the heroines in her own life. She currently lives in Ontario. Her most recent publication is Shudder Pulp (the second Charley Scott mystery) which was released  on May 3, 2025)