Picture an Australian-born storyteller who weaves suspenseful tales of secrets and sisterhood—meet Amelia Brunskill! With her debut novel, The Window, this librarian-turned-author has carved a niche in young adult mystery, blending her psychology and art background into gripping narratives that keep readers guessing. From sunny Melbourne to Chicago’s bustling streets, Brunskill’s journey is as layered as her stories.
The Making of Amelia Brunskill
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Amelia Brunskill grew up in Washington state, surrounded by blackberries, books, and the Pacific Northwest’s rugged beauty. Her dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and art from the University of Washington shaped her knack for exploring human emotions and vivid imagery. Later, a master’s in information studies from the University of Texas at Austin led her to a career as a librarian in Chicago, where she now lives with her husband and corgi, Max. This eclectic background fuels her storytelling, infusing her work with psychological depth and a keen eye for detail.
Amelia Brunskill’s Unforgettable Stories
Brunskill burst onto the literary scene in 2018 with The Window, a young adult mystery about identical twins Jess and Anna. When Anna dies mysteriously, introverted Jess uncovers her sister’s secrets, unraveling a web of suspense. Praised by authors like Karen M. McManus for its “gripping” pace, the novel earned nominations for the Chicago Review of Books Award and ALA’s Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers. Her 2023 novel, Wolfpack, takes a bolder turn, written in verse. It follows nine teenage girls in a cult, grappling with paranoia after one disappears. Critics lauded its “haunting” and “visceral” style, with selections for Illinois Reads and the Oklahoma Library Association’s Sequoyah Masterlist.
Brunskill’s writing is a masterclass in tension and emotion. Her short stories, published in outlets like Indiana Review and Ninth Letter, showcase her versatility, earning her an Illinois Arts Council Agency Literary Award. Whether in prose or verse, her work dives into themes of grief, identity, and hidden truths, making her a standout in psychological thrillers.
Why Amelia Brunskill Matters
Amelia Brunskill’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate with young adults navigating complex emotions. Her focus on psychological depth and unreliable narrators invites readers to question appearances, mirroring real-life struggles with trust and loss. As a librarian, she champions literacy, and her unique voice—shaped by her Australian roots and American experiences—adds diversity to the YA genre. Though early in her career, Brunskill’s nominations and growing fanbase signal a bright future.
- Born: Melbourne, Australia
- Key Works: The Window (2018), Wolfpack (2023)
- Awards: Illinois Arts Council Agency Literary Award; nominations for Chicago Review of Books Award, ALA Quick Picks
- Fun Fact: She’s an avid Thai food lover and unintentional plant killer!
Ready for a thrilling read? Snag The Window or Wolfpack and dive into Amelia Brunskill’s world of suspense and secrets!