Stefanie Pintoff is an American author best known for her historical mystery novels, which often feature early 20th century New York City as a backdrop. She gained critical acclaim with her debut novel, "In the Shadow of Gotham," which introduced the character Detective Simon Ziele. This book won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel by an American Author and set the stage for a series of follow-up books that continued to delve into the period's rich and detailed atmosphere, complete with intricate plots and well-developed characters. Pintoff's work is characterized by its meticulous research, vivid historical settings, and engaging storytelling that bridges the gap between historical fiction and crime thrillers. Before becoming a full-time writer, Pintoff earned a law degree and worked in the legal field, which has informed some of the procedural aspects of her writing.