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A Literary Nod to Milwaukee’s Art Scene

white painted wall interior
Artist Mary Nohl's Home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Audrey Lynden Pays Literary Homage to the Milwaukee Art World

AN INTERVIEW WITH ELIZABETH LINTONEN of THE SHEPARD EXPRESS

Tricia Quinnies, also known by her pen name, Audrey Lynden, specializes in novels crafted to honor both her love of art and the history of the city of Milwaukee. Lynden’s latest novel is a testament to her ability to weave famed Milwaukee stories through the lives of her fictional characters. The outcome is meticulously designed, emotionally entertaining stories that hit close to home.

Lynden’s career began with a series of “what if?” questions. When journalism did not satisfy her urge to write in her own way, Lynden found a new outlet. “I graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a journalism degree and ended up working in advertising. Writing news stories didn’t quite do it for me, I preferred writing make-believe and human-interest stories,” says Lynden. “‘What if’ questions that kept popping in my head about people. The question cooked a bit in my head, and I attempted to write my first book. I started with making a character inspired by this story and wrote a very long book, over 120,000 words. It was called ‘Last Day in Wilmington.’ It was way too long and hidden under the bed, but it gave me the nerve to keep asking questions, and I created a lot of fun characters.”

Lynden’s latest release, The Artful Bargain, follows a romantic story of art, creativity, and adventure. “The Artful Bargain is a romantic caper with a nod to the modern art world,” says Lynden. “It explores the themes of family challenges and dysfunction while realizing that support and loyalty is at the heart of every thriving relationship whether it be friends, family, or lovers.” 

For Lynden, the creative process is centered around building characters. Their motivations and passions drive the plot, and her latest novel is a dedicated nod to the world of art. “My creative process for all my books starts with my love of developing characters and being the mastermind of their fictional world,” says Lynden. “At UWM I loved my art history classes and I seemed to always gravitate to an artsy crowd. There are so many well-known artists in the Midwest, and I’ve always been fascinated with the talent that’s in Milwaukee. So many cool and quirky people in and around Wisconsin.” 

Lynden’s writing career is one that highlights the beauty to be found in the Milwaukee area. “Milwaukee is my home. It’s a beautiful city with a rich history and terrific people. All over Wisconsin, there are such fun towns and shops and interesting restaurants. I love to brag about all of them in my stories,” says Lynden. “Also, Mary Nohl and her “witch’s house” was a pivotal part of my teenage years. She was such an incredible artist, I had to give her a role in The Artful Bargain.”  

Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Reviews@Kirkus_Reviews
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"A fine romantic mystery, set in a lively Midwest art world." - An art curator and a famous sculptor are thrown together by an art-world scandal in Lynden's contemporary romance. As the story opens, Claire Beaumont, a curator from Milwaukee’s Lafferty Museum, has reached the Lake Michigan home of well-known artist Sinjin Reid, “the wunderkind known for welding and tangling magnificent metals into works of art.” Claire has driven all the way to the artist's home to collect a piece called Coal or Steam. Since the piece “would have folks in the art world talking for the next decade” and bring much-needed publicity to her upcoming Victorious Vectors exhibit, Claire is alarmed to learn, upon arrival, that Sinjin isn't aware that his ex-wife, Meg, donated the piece to the Lafferty. It turns out that Sinjin has hidden the piece to keep it out of the clutches of both his ex-wife and the Lafferty’s slimy director, Larry Chambers, who unashamedly urges Claire to do whatever she needs to do to find the piece’s location: “It’s a logical conclusion that with the way you look, he’d be interested in you. Use your strengths, Ms. Beaumont.” The more they compare notes, the more Claire and Sinjin feel two things: united in their fight against Larry, and mutually attracted to each other. Lynden crafts their unexpected romance in a classic fashion, but long before readers are rooting for Claire and Sinjin to be together, they'll be rooting for them separately. Sinjin is cautious but drawn to the newcomer (“Those purple eyes. The color of royalty and new beginnings,” he notes while looking at a drawing of Claire), and she initially bridles at his undeniable attention (“Quit gawking at me,” she says at one point. “You're doing that artsy thing. Always processing a subject”). The author manages to orchestrate their relationship and the rest of the plot with a good deal of pleasing complexity. It all culminates in a surprise twist and eminently satisfying ending.
Susan Ballard
Susan Ballard https://www.instagram.com/subakka.bookstuff/
Read More
"First off, I loved that this creative story was set in my home state of Wisconsin. I think I fall into the pages a little more quickly when I recognize places and towns. Secondly, I was delighted by how fun this story was. I went in thinking it might be more of a detective procedural. But no, it has quirky characters, fantastic art references, and a blooming romance. And, to top it off, there is trouble in the art world - a mystery of sorts, a villainous fraud, and it may take a “sting” to snag him. The characters are interwoven in each other’s personal and professional lives, which makes this even more interesting, but it adds some good depth, too. It brought in elements like trust issues, revenge, and creative integrity. If you’re looking for an entertaining caper with a cast of characters that will endear themselves to you, including two dachshunds, Fred and Ginger, don’t miss this one.”
Cindy
Cindy https://www.instagram.com/just_another_mother_with_books/#
Read More
"I love Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo in equal measure! Anyone who respects and utilizes that much color is okay in my book. “This story was equally colorful and vibrant! Touted as a romantic caper with an artful twist, this book has a little bit of something for everyone: mystery, intrigue, witty banter, art appreciation and…romance! Main character Claire Beaumont - who is the daughter of a famous artist herself - was sent to acquire a sculpture from renowned sculptor Sinjin Reid. As a last-ditch effort to raise money to save the Lafferty Museum, her plans are thrown into a tailspin when Sinjin claims to know nothing of the acquisition. Further complicating things, she discovers that he owns some of her father’s works…and doesn’t divulge her connection to his collection until after she’s caught snooping through his things. I like the way both characters are able to overcome their trust issues and work together to root out the scheme that almost compromised what they love most. Also, I like the way the scenes and dialogue felt very realistic and lifelike. The ending was absolutely perfect, too!"
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"A Literary Nod to Milwaukee’s Art Scene"

Review Posted Online:

October 19, 2023
Artist Mary Nohl's Home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Audrey Lynden Pays Literary Homage to the Milwaukee Art World

AN INTERVIEW WITH ELIZABETH LINTONEN of THE SHEPARD EXPRESS

Tricia Quinnies, also known by her pen name, Audrey Lynden, specializes in novels crafted to honor both her love of art and the history of the city of Milwaukee. Lynden’s latest novel is a testament to her ability to weave famed Milwaukee stories through the lives of her fictional characters. The outcome is meticulously designed, emotionally entertaining stories that hit close to home.

Lynden’s career began with a series of “what if?” questions. When journalism did not satisfy her urge to write in her own way, Lynden found a new outlet. “I graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a journalism degree and ended up working in advertising. Writing news stories didn’t quite do it for me, I preferred writing make-believe and human-interest stories,” says Lynden. “‘What if’ questions that kept popping in my head about people. The question cooked a bit in my head, and I attempted to write my first book. I started with making a character inspired by this story and wrote a very long book, over 120,000 words. It was called ‘Last Day in Wilmington.’ It was way too long and hidden under the bed, but it gave me the nerve to keep asking questions, and I created a lot of fun characters.”

Lynden’s latest release, The Artful Bargain, follows a romantic story of art, creativity, and adventure. “The Artful Bargain is a romantic caper with a nod to the modern art world,” says Lynden. “It explores the themes of family challenges and dysfunction while realizing that support and loyalty is at the heart of every thriving relationship whether it be friends, family, or lovers.” 

For Lynden, the creative process is centered around building characters. Their motivations and passions drive the plot, and her latest novel is a dedicated nod to the world of art. “My creative process for all my books starts with my love of developing characters and being the mastermind of their fictional world,” says Lynden. “At UWM I loved my art history classes and I seemed to always gravitate to an artsy crowd. There are so many well-known artists in the Midwest, and I’ve always been fascinated with the talent that’s in Milwaukee. So many cool and quirky people in and around Wisconsin.” 

Lynden’s writing career is one that highlights the beauty to be found in the Milwaukee area. “Milwaukee is my home. It’s a beautiful city with a rich history and terrific people. All over Wisconsin, there are such fun towns and shops and interesting restaurants. I love to brag about all of them in my stories,” says Lynden. “Also, Mary Nohl and her “witch’s house” was a pivotal part of my teenage years. She was such an incredible artist, I had to give her a role in The Artful Bargain.”  

Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Reviews@Kirkus_Reviews
Read More
"A fine romantic mystery, set in a lively Midwest art world." - An art curator and a famous sculptor are thrown together by an art-world scandal in Lynden's contemporary romance. As the story opens, Claire Beaumont, a curator from Milwaukee’s Lafferty Museum, has reached the Lake Michigan home of well-known artist Sinjin Reid, “the wunderkind known for welding and tangling magnificent metals into works of art.” Claire has driven all the way to the artist's home to collect a piece called Coal or Steam. Since the piece “would have folks in the art world talking for the next decade” and bring much-needed publicity to her upcoming Victorious Vectors exhibit, Claire is alarmed to learn, upon arrival, that Sinjin isn't aware that his ex-wife, Meg, donated the piece to the Lafferty. It turns out that Sinjin has hidden the piece to keep it out of the clutches of both his ex-wife and the Lafferty’s slimy director, Larry Chambers, who unashamedly urges Claire to do whatever she needs to do to find the piece’s location: “It’s a logical conclusion that with the way you look, he’d be interested in you. Use your strengths, Ms. Beaumont.” The more they compare notes, the more Claire and Sinjin feel two things: united in their fight against Larry, and mutually attracted to each other. Lynden crafts their unexpected romance in a classic fashion, but long before readers are rooting for Claire and Sinjin to be together, they'll be rooting for them separately. Sinjin is cautious but drawn to the newcomer (“Those purple eyes. The color of royalty and new beginnings,” he notes while looking at a drawing of Claire), and she initially bridles at his undeniable attention (“Quit gawking at me,” she says at one point. “You're doing that artsy thing. Always processing a subject”). The author manages to orchestrate their relationship and the rest of the plot with a good deal of pleasing complexity. It all culminates in a surprise twist and eminently satisfying ending.
Susan Ballard
Susan Ballard https://www.instagram.com/subakka.bookstuff/
Read More
"First off, I loved that this creative story was set in my home state of Wisconsin. I think I fall into the pages a little more quickly when I recognize places and towns. Secondly, I was delighted by how fun this story was. I went in thinking it might be more of a detective procedural. But no, it has quirky characters, fantastic art references, and a blooming romance. And, to top it off, there is trouble in the art world - a mystery of sorts, a villainous fraud, and it may take a “sting” to snag him. The characters are interwoven in each other’s personal and professional lives, which makes this even more interesting, but it adds some good depth, too. It brought in elements like trust issues, revenge, and creative integrity. If you’re looking for an entertaining caper with a cast of characters that will endear themselves to you, including two dachshunds, Fred and Ginger, don’t miss this one.”
Cindy
Cindy https://www.instagram.com/just_another_mother_with_books/#
Read More
"I love Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo in equal measure! Anyone who respects and utilizes that much color is okay in my book. “This story was equally colorful and vibrant! Touted as a romantic caper with an artful twist, this book has a little bit of something for everyone: mystery, intrigue, witty banter, art appreciation and…romance! Main character Claire Beaumont - who is the daughter of a famous artist herself - was sent to acquire a sculpture from renowned sculptor Sinjin Reid. As a last-ditch effort to raise money to save the Lafferty Museum, her plans are thrown into a tailspin when Sinjin claims to know nothing of the acquisition. Further complicating things, she discovers that he owns some of her father’s works…and doesn’t divulge her connection to his collection until after she’s caught snooping through his things. I like the way both characters are able to overcome their trust issues and work together to root out the scheme that almost compromised what they love most. Also, I like the way the scenes and dialogue felt very realistic and lifelike. The ending was absolutely perfect, too!"
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