Picture a storyteller who weaves heart-pounding thrillers under the vast New Mexico sky—meet Amanda Searcy! This Albuquerque-born author burst onto the young adult scene with her gripping debut, The Truth Beneath the Lies, in 2017. With a knack for crafting suspenseful tales that dive deep into the lives of teens entangled in secrets, Searcy has carved a unique niche in the YA thriller genre, blending raw emotion with unpredictable twists.
Armed with a background in government, languages, and human rights, Searcy brings a worldly perspective to her stories. Her work as a library collection developer fuels her passion for books, while her love for chocolate, cats, and curling up with a good read adds a relatable charm to her persona. Let’s explore how this desert storyteller became a rising star in young adult fiction.
The Making of Amanda Searcy
Growing up under the endless blue skies of Albuquerque, Amanda Searcy was shaped by the vibrant culture and stark beauty of New Mexico. She studied government and languages at New Mexico State University, just 45 miles from the US-Mexico border, before pursuing a master’s degree in human rights at the University of Essex in England. Her time abroad, including a stint at a conflict resolution research center in Northern Ireland, enriched her understanding of human struggles—themes that echo in her writing.
Searcy’s writing journey began with a nudge from a friend who urged her to “just do it already!” Despite facing rejections, she persevered, entering the prestigious Pitch Wars contest, where a mentor helped polish her manuscript. This tenacity led to her signing with an agent and launching her career, proving that her desert roots nurtured both grit and creativity.
Amanda Searcy’s Unforgettable Stories
Searcy’s debut, The Truth Beneath the Lies, is a masterclass in YA suspense. Published in 2017, it follows two teen girls—Kayla, desperate to escape her unstable life in a government housing complex, and Betsy, haunted by a mysterious burner phone. Alternating perspectives and unreliable narrators keep readers guessing, with a shocking twist tying their stories together. Praised by Karen M. McManus as “smart, suspenseful, and unpredictable,” it’s a must-read for fans of Pretty Little Liars.
In 2018, Searcy released Watch You Burn, a psychological thriller about Jenny, a teen arsonist hiding her dangerous urges in a creepy New Mexico town. The novel’s gritty prose and tense atmosphere showcase Searcy’s ability to explore complex characters in high-stakes settings. Her stories often delve into themes of survival, trauma, and redemption, reflecting her human rights background and knack for capturing the messiness of adolescence.
Searcy’s style is fast-paced yet emotionally raw, with vivid settings drawn from her New Mexico roots. Her dual POV narratives and clever red herrings make her books page-turners that linger long after the final chapter. Whether it’s a serial killer stalking Kayla’s neighborhood or Jenny’s fiery compulsions, Searcy crafts thrillers that balance darkness with hope.
Why Amanda Searcy Matters
Amanda Searcy’s impact lies in her ability to give voice to teens navigating life’s darkest corners. Her stories resonate with young readers who see themselves in her flawed, fierce protagonists, offering both escapism and empathy. By blending thriller elements with real-world issues like addiction and trauma, she elevates the YA genre, earning starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist.
As a librarian, Searcy also champions access to diverse stories, shaping the literary landscape beyond her own books. Her journey from rejections to Pitch Wars success inspires aspiring authors, proving that persistence pays off. With more thrillers in the works, Searcy’s star is only rising, making her a name to watch in YA fiction.
About Amanda Searcy
- Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Key works: The Truth Beneath the Lies (2017), Watch You Burn (2018)
- Education: BA from New Mexico State University, MA in human rights from University of Essex
- Passions: Chocolate, cats, and curating young adult books for libraries
Dive into the suspense of The Truth Beneath the Lies or the fiery drama of Watch You Burn—Amanda Searcy’s thrilling world awaits! Grab a book, cozy up, and let her twists keep you up all night.