Kristen Chaney Beard

Kristen Chaney Beard loves to create, whether she’s painting, crafting, or writing stories. She's the author of the Ridge City series, the Mystery Falls series, and stand-alone thrillers. Kristen has several new thrillers lined up for 2026 along with continuing her two mystery series–she loves to explore unique, curious set ups that make you wonder, “What the heck is really happening?” Kristen lives in Oregon with her family, dogs, chickens, bees, and a cat who steals her writing chair. She's just an hour from both the mountains and the rugged Pacific coast. Surrounded by stormy winters, old-growth forests, waterfalls, and wild beaches, she draws inspiration from the landscapes she hikes, forages, and explores with her family. A lifelong storyteller, Kristen loves turning small-town quirks, hidden histories, and Pacific Northwest atmosphere into twisty mysteries and gripping thrillers.