Jami Borek

Jamison Borek (everyone calls her "Jami") began researching the 18th century some twenty years ago, in order to recreate real and imaginary 18th century characters for various historic sites and museums.

A great lover of mysteries herself, she was inspired to write her first mystery, "Patriots & Poisons," when she was researching 1797-98 in preparation a ball in honor of George Washington at Alexandria's Gadsby's Tavern . She became fascinated by the political conflicts, conspiracy theories, and uncertainty as to the future that marked the United States in those early years. At the time, she was also pursuing a successful career as a senior lawyer and diplomat at the United States Department of State, which (along with family and other demands) left her with little free time, so eventually she retired in order to devote more time to researching and writing.

Along the way, a chance purchase of two 18th-century style dolls, Amanda and Amelia, led to a series aimed more at younger readers. There are now four in the series, beginning with "Amanda's Secret" and now continuing with "Amelia's Dream," "Mystery at the Raleigh Tavern," and "The Servant Girl's Secret." These are heartwarming stories about the adventures of two young colonial girls and their friends Jacob and Penney as they solve various mysteries. They're set in Colonial Williamsburg at the end of the colonial period, when the movement for Independence is beginning to take shape.