Picture a Sri Lankan storyteller who spun a web of psychological suspense that left readers gasping—meet Amanda Jayatissa! This award-winning author burst onto the global literary scene with her debut thriller My Sweet Girl, a twisty tale of identity and privilege that hooked thriller fans worldwide. With her knack for crafting unforgettable characters and chilling narratives, Jayatissa is redefining the genre with a distinctly Sri Lankan flair.
Born and raised in Colombo, Jayatissa’s journey from avid reader to acclaimed novelist is as compelling as her stories. Her cross-cultural experiences and sharp storytelling have made her a rising star, blending psychological depth with page-turning plots that keep readers up all night.
The Making of Amanda Jayatissa
Growing up in Sri Lanka during the civil war, Jayatissa found solace in books, devouring Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five mysteries. These childhood favorites sparked her love for suspense, planting the seeds for her future as a thriller writer. After earning a B.A. from Mills College in California, she lived in the UK before returning to her sunny island. By day, she’s a corporate trainer and co-owns a chain of cookie stores, but by night, she crafts stories that delve into the human psyche. Her early self-published novel, The Other One, a steampunk sci-fi tale, won the 2017 Fairway National Literary Award, proving her versatility before she found her true calling in thrillers.
Amanda Jayatissa’s Unforgettable Stories
Jayatissa’s debut, My Sweet Girl (2021), is a psychological thriller that follows Paloma Evans, a Sri Lankan adoptee in San Francisco grappling with her past. Critics praised its exploration of identity and privilege, earning it the 2022 International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel. The novel’s dual timeline and unreliable narrator keep readers guessing, blending Sri Lankan folklore with modern suspense.
Her sophomore novel, You’re Invited (2022), dives into Sri Lanka’s high society, unraveling a murder mystery at a lavish wedding. With jealousy and dark secrets at its core, it’s been dubbed “Agatha Christie meets Crazy Rich Asians.” Jayatissa’s third book, Island Witch (2024), ventures into gothic horror, drawing on Sri Lankan folklore to tell the story of a demon-priest’s daughter accused of witchcraft in 19th-century Ceylon. Her latest, Bloodline (2022), also nabbed an ITW Award for Best Paperback Original Novel. Jayatissa’s style—witty, atmospheric, and layered with cultural nuance—makes her thrillers both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Why Amanda Jayatissa Matters
Jayatissa’s work shines a spotlight on Sri Lankan culture, weaving its folklore, history, and social dynamics into gripping narratives. As one of the first Sri Lankan women to secure an international book deal, she’s paving the way for diverse voices in the thriller genre. Her stories resonate with readers who see themselves in Paloma’s identity struggles or Amaya’s tangled relationships, offering a fresh perspective on universal themes. By mentoring aspiring Sri Lankan writers, Jayatissa is building a literary community that amplifies her homeland’s stories.
- Born: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Key Works: My Sweet Girl, You’re Invited, Island Witch, Bloodline
- Awards: 2022 ITW Best First Novel (My Sweet Girl), 2022 ITW Best Paperback Original Novel (Bloodline)
- Fun Fact: She’s a proud dog-mom to two spoiled huskies!
Snag My Sweet Girl and dive into Amanda Jayatissa’s thrilling world of suspense—you won’t put it down!