Picture a Chicago storyteller weaving tales that keep you up all night—meet Brandi Reeds! A master of suspense thrillers and young adult novels, Reeds captivates readers with her twisty plots and deep dives into the human psyche. Writing under her own name and the pseudonym Sasha Dawn, she’s carved a unique niche in contemporary fiction, blending heart-pounding suspense with emotional depth.
Born and raised in the Windy City, Reeds is a proud Chicago native (Go, White Sox!) who now lives in the northern suburbs with her husband, daughters, and four furry companions. Her multifaceted career as a college English instructor, kitchen design consultant, and acclaimed author showcases her dynamic spirit and creative flair.
The Making of Brandi Reeds
Growing up in Chicago, Reeds was drawn to stories that explored human resilience and survival. She pursued a BA in history and English at Northern Illinois University, followed by an MA in writing from Seton Hill University. Her academic journey honed her craft, blending historical curiosity with a knack for crafting compelling narratives. Before becoming a published author, Reeds balanced teaching college composition and working as a cabinetry specialist, infusing her writing with real-world grit and authenticity.
Reeds’s love for suspense and psychological depth emerged early, inspired by her fascination with complex characters and moral dilemmas. Her debut novel, written as Sasha Dawn, marked her entry into the literary world, setting the stage for a career defined by gripping, thought-provoking stories.
Brandi Reeds’s Unforgettable Stories
Reeds’s bibliography is a thrilling mix of young adult novels and adult suspense thrillers. Under her pseudonym Sasha Dawn, she penned Oblivion, a psychological thriller that earned a spot as one of the New York Public Library’s Best Books for Teens. Praised by the School Library Journal and endorsed by the American Library Association, Oblivion follows a teen unraveling a chilling mystery, showcasing Reeds’s talent for blending suspense with emotional stakes.
As Brandi Reeds, she ventured into adult fiction with Trespassing, an Amazon Charts bestseller. This gripping novel follows Veronica Cavanaugh, a mother grappling with paranoia and her husband’s disappearance, amplified by her daughter’s eerie imaginary friend. Readers lauded its “creeping dread” and “page-turning suspense,” with critics comparing it to gothic thrillers. Third Party, another bestseller, explores a suspicious suicide through the eyes of two strangers, weaving a web of secrets and betrayal. The Day I Disappeared tackles a haunting kidnapping case, reuniting a mother and daughter in a race against time.
Reeds’s writing style is immersive, marked by intricate plots, flawed characters, and psychological tension. Her stories often explore themes of trust, identity, and survival, resonating with readers who crave both thrills and emotional depth. Whether writing for teens or adults, she crafts narratives that linger long after the final page.
Why Brandi Reeds Matters
Brandi Reeds has made a lasting impact in the suspense and young adult genres, offering stories that challenge readers to question reality and human nature. Her ability to straddle two audiences—teens as Sasha Dawn and adults as Brandi Reeds—demonstrates her versatility and storytelling prowess. Works like Oblivion and Trespassing have earned critical acclaim and devoted fans, cementing her as a rising star in psychological suspense.
Beyond her novels, Reeds inspires aspiring writers through her teaching and multifaceted career. Her Chicago roots and down-to-earth persona add relatability, making her a beloved figure for readers seeking authentic, thrilling stories. As she continues to write, Reeds’s influence in contemporary fiction grows, promising more heart-pounding tales to come.
- Chicago native and White Sox fan
- Writes as Sasha Dawn for young adult novels
- Key works: Oblivion, Trespassing, Third Party, The Day I Disappeared
- Holds a BA from Northern Illinois University and an MA from Seton Hill University
- Avid traveler, reader, and dance enthusiast
About Brandi Reeds
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Trespassing or Oblivion and dive into Brandi Reeds’s world of suspense and secrets!