Sheyna Galyan (Fiction) | St. Paul, MN

Sheyna Galyan is the National Indie Excellence Award Finalist author of the Rabbi David Cohen suspense series set in Minneapolis. Her newest book, Strength to Stand, has been nominated for a Minnesota Book Award. Her essays and articles have appeared in TCJewfolk, American Jewish World, St. Paul Voice, and other publications. She graduated from the St. Paul Police Department’s Citizens’ Police Academy in 2012. With advanced degrees in psychology and education, she has worked as a counselor, lecturer, journalist, and Jewish educator. Fascinated by the intersection of tradition and technology, her favorite questions are “Why?” and “Why not?”

Books

Press & Reviews

“…a story that will enlighten as well as grip the reader.”
—St. Paul Pioneer Press

“At times playful and at times unsettling, Sheyna Galyan’s Strength to Stand blends insightful humor, riveting suspense and an obvious love for Judaism. A charming, chilling book that places Rabbi David Cohen alongside Harry Kemelman’s David Small and Faye Kellerman’s Peter Decker in the pantheon of observant Jewish crime-stoppers. One of the most engaging books of the year.”
—Jacob M. Appel, award-winning author of Phoning Home, The Biology of Luck, and the Rabbi Kappelmacher mystery series.

“A smart mystery full of Jewish learning and lore.”
—Rabbi David Wolpe, Max Webb Rabbi of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles and best-selling author of Making Loss Matter

“Galyan’s latest is rich in culture, suspense, and character. The dialogue snaps, and the action builds. If you’re looking for a rich mystery, you can’t miss with Strength to Stand!”
—Jessica Lourey, author of the Lefty-nominated Murder-by-Month mysteries

“Sheyna Galyan’s new mystery, Strength to Stand, is part one-breath-at-a-time suspense, part fascinating depiction of what goes on in a rabbi’s life—both professionally and personally—and part exposé on human motivation. Rich and atmospheric, Galyan seamlessly weaves crime, life, and love in this unforgettable novel.”
—Jessie Chandler, award-winning author of the Shay O’Hanlon Caper Series

“Sheyna Galyan has authored a poignant and enlightened story that explores the complexities of the Jewish culture and draws its readers into the lives of families struggling with their respective roles within that community—all the while dealing with an ominous stalker who is promising to deliver death and destruction to their world.”
—Allen Eskens, award-winning author of The Life We Bury

“Sheyna Galyan’s Strength to Stand is a suspenseful story of contemporary Jewish families. Its themes of belonging and community raise important issues, yet are thoughtfully interwoven into a very dynamic narrative. Galyan has written a compelling must-read, whether you are Jewish or not.”
—Susan Koefod, award-winning author of the Arvo Thorson mystery series

“Escalating threats make this a creepy cozy in Minnesota’s Jewish community.”
—Julie Kramer, award-winning author of Shunning Sarah, Killing Kate, and Delivering Death

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