Rebecca Pawel

Rebecca Pawel is an American high school teacher and author of mystery and historical novels. Her first book, Death of a Nationalist, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. It was a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist and named the Best Book of the Year by the Chicago Tribune, Publishers Weekly, and Detroit Free Press.

Rebecca Pawel was born and raised in New York City, where her passion for Iberian culture ignited during her junior high school years when she delved into the world of flamenco and classical Spanish dance. This initial fascination with Spain led her to embark on a transformative journey in 1994 when she spent a summer studying in Madrid.

Captivated by the country's charm, she fell in love with Spain and sought every opportunity to reconnect, both physically and creatively through her writing, as she pursued her undergraduate degree in Spanish language and literature at Columbia University.

Throughout the summers, Rebecca often found herself in the northern regions of Spain, eagerly participating in the vibrant Semana Negra de Gijón, a renowned festival celebrating the captivating realm of mystery novels.

Additionally, she became a devoted attendee of its counterpart, Celsius 232, a festival dedicated to the realms of fantasy and science fiction, hosted in the neighboring town of Avilés.

Rebecca's educational journey began in the challenging landscape of New York City's public school system. Following her graduation, she dedicated herself to teaching English and Journalism at the High School for Enterprise, Business, and Technology in Brooklyn's Williamsburg area, a position she held from 2000 to 2011.

During this time, she also shared her expertise in the Spanish language as a teacher at the same school for two years. Seeking fresh experiences, Rebecca transitioned to the role of college advisor and English teacher at the High School for Service and Learning at Erasmus Hall in Flatbush, Brooklyn from.

In September 2013, Rebecca returned to her alma mater, Columbia University, but this time as a student in the esteemed Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. She embarked on a fulfilling academic journey and, in May 2020, proudly earned a Ph.D. in English and Comparative Literature. Notably, her dissertation explored the works of African American writers like Langston Hughes, who shared their experiences of and reflections on Spain.

During the academic year of 2017–2018, Rebecca had the invaluable opportunity to reside in Madrid, conducting extensive archival research for her dissertation. Immersed in the cultural tapestry of Spain, she chronicled her experiences in a captivating blog, which she now contemplates turning into a book.

Her debut, Death of a Nationalist, was conceived as a stand-alone mystery, but became the foundation for an entire series of four novels centered around the character of Carlos Tejada Alonso y León.

Rebecca's remarkable dedication to understanding and showcasing the intersection of literature, culture, and history has shaped her into a versatile writer and scholar. With her profound knowledge of Spanish literature, her captivating experiences in Spain, and her commitment to education, she inspires others through her words and exploration of diverse narratives.

Rebecca Pawel lives in New York City.