Picture a storyteller who traded a Silicon Valley desk for a world of spies, dragons, and treasure hunts—meet Beth McMullen! This American author spins tales that whisk readers from middle-grade adventures to adult romantic suspense, blending humor, heart, and high-stakes thrills. With a knack for crafting relatable characters and pulse-pounding plots, McMullen has carved a unique niche in children’s and adult fiction, captivating readers with her playful yet poignant storytelling.
From her home in Northern California, where she lives with her family and two delightfully self-centered cats, McMullen channels her love for literature and global adventures into stories that resonate across age groups. Her journey from English literature graduate to acclaimed author is as inspiring as the worlds she creates, proving that a passion for storytelling can lead to extraordinary places.
The Making of Beth McMullen
Beth McMullen’s path to authorship began with a degree in English Literature from Boston University. After a stint at Reader’s Digest, she realized condensing books wasn’t her calling—writing them was. Moving to San Francisco, she worked in Silicon Valley to pay the bills while fueling her creativity with writing and travel. A year-long global adventure with her husband cemented her love for diverse cultures and stories, which later infused her work with vivid settings and universal themes. Her childhood, marked by feelings of being an outsider, also shaped her narratives, often exploring identity and belonging with a light, relatable touch.
Beth McMullen’s Unforgettable Stories
McMullen’s bibliography spans genres, but her middle-grade series shine brightest. The Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls trilogy, starting with its 2017 debut, follows Abby Hunter, a girl who discovers her boarding school is a front for an elite spy ring. Packed with action, humor, and heart, it’s a hit for fans of Stu Gibbs, blending spy-school antics with themes of friendship and self-discovery. The series continues with Power Play (2018) and Double Cross (2019), taking Abby on international missions that keep readers hooked.
Her Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter series kicks off with a 2020 novel about a globe-trotting girl searching for her missing archaeologist father. With Indiana Jones vibes, it’s a thrilling mix of mystery and adventure. Meanwhile, the Secret of the Storm series, beginning in 2022, introduces Cassie King, who bef befriends a kitten that’s secretly a dragon. This heartfelt tale weaves fantasy with themes of loss and resilience, earning praise from School Library Journal for its action-packed charm. For adults, McMullen’s Sally Sin series, starting with Original Sin (2011), delivers romantic suspense with a former spy juggling motherhood and danger, showcasing her versatility.
McMullen’s style is a delightful cocktail of wit, suspense, and emotional depth. Her characters—often young, plucky outsiders—navigate messy situations with courage, reflecting her own experiences of feeling on the fringes. Whether it’s a spy school or a dragon-filled alley, her settings burst with imagination, making every page a joyride.
Why Beth McMullen Matters
Beth McMullen’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that entertain while touching on universal themes. Her middle-grade novels empower young readers, especially girls, to embrace their strengths in worlds where they’re often underestimated. Her adult fiction, meanwhile, offers escapist fun with a side of emotional resonance, appealing to readers craving smart, suspenseful romance. As cohost of the Writers With Wrinkles podcast, McMullen also inspires aspiring authors, sharing insights from her multifaceted career. With over a dozen books and a growing fanbase, she’s a quiet force in children’s and genre fiction, proving that stories can bridge generations.
- Lives in Northern California with her husband, kids, two cats, and a parakeet named Zeus.
- Key works: Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls, Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter, Secret of the Storm, Original Sin.
- Cohosts the Writers With Wrinkles podcast, offering writing tips and industry insights.
About Beth McMullen
Ready for a literary adventure? Snag Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls or Secret of the Storm and dive into Beth McMullen’s thrilling, heartfelt world!