Kimberly Sheeter is the author of Scandal Sisters, a historical novel that brings to life the remarkable, though largely forgotten, story of Catherine and Charlotte Poillon. The book chronicles the lives of these two sisters who capitalized on notoriety during the Gilded Age and the Roaring Twenties, blending fact and fiction in a compelling narrative that draws from actual press clippings and historical sources. This approach allows Scandal Sisters to stand out within the genre of historical fiction by offering readers an unvarnished glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of American history.
Sheeter’s work is informed by a unique combination of rigorous research and imaginative storytelling. The novel delves into the complexities of the Poillon sisters’ lives, who navigated scandal and crime with a level of audacity and resourcefulness that challenges conventional narratives about women of their era. The result is a fresh perspective on the Gilded Age that eschews sanitized versions of history in favor of something more nuanced and unfiltered.
In addition to her work as an author, Kimberly Sheeter hosts Lunchtime Crime, a podcast available on Swellcast.com and Spotify. Over the past year, she has produced more than 300 episodes, attracting an audience exceeding 13,000 listeners. The podcast explores crime stories with a similar attention to detail and storytelling craft that characterizes her fiction writing, further establishing Sheeter as a distinctive voice in the true crime and historical fiction arenas.
Scandal Sisters has received attention for its innovative narrative style, which Sheeter describes as “not your grandmother’s Gilded Age fiction.” She likens the tone to a collaboration where “Dorothy Parker got drunk with Edith Wharton and they scribbled a draft on a cocktail napkin. And then Elmore Leonard did the edit.” This description captures the novel’s blend of wit, sharp social commentary, and gripping plotlines, which appeal to readers who seek historical narratives infused with modern sensibilities.
The book and its e-book version are currently available for purchase. An audiobook edition is scheduled for release this summer, broadening access to the story of the Poillon sisters. The novel is supported by Sheeter’s website, Scandal Sisters, which offers additional context and resources related to the book’s historical background.
Kimberly Sheeter’s work contributes to a growing interest in uncovering and telling stories about overlooked figures in American history. By integrating actual press accounts into her fiction, she provides a layered reading experience that invites audiences to reconsider familiar historical periods through the lens of individuals who defied the social norms of their time.
Her commitment to storytelling excellence is evident both in her writing and her podcasting endeavors. Lunchtime Crime serves as a platform where Sheeter’s interest in crime intersects with her skills as a narrative craftsman, allowing her to engage a dedicated listener base with carefully researched and thoughtfully presented content.
Scandal Sisters is a notable addition to the historical fiction genre, particularly for readers interested in narratives that blend real historical events with creative interpretation. Kimberly Sheeter’s novel challenges traditional portrayals of the Gilded Age by focusing on the bold and complex lives of two sisters who turned scandal into their currency.
For more information about Kimberly Sheeter and Scandal Sisters, visit https://www.scandalsisters.com. The Lunchtime Crime podcast is available on Swellcast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Pandora, and iHeart.