Picture a British storyteller who weaves heart-pounding psychological thrillers and heartwarming romantic comedies—meet C.L. Taylor, also known as Cally Taylor! With a knack for diving into the complexities of the human mind, Taylor has captivated readers worldwide, selling over two million copies of her gripping novels. From her Sunday Times bestselling thrillers to her award-winning debut, her stories are a rollercoaster of emotions that keep you hooked until the final page.
Born in Worcester, England, Taylor’s journey from short story enthusiast to bestselling author is as compelling as her plots. With a psychology degree and a passion for exploring human behavior, she crafts narratives that resonate deeply, blending suspense with relatable characters. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this literary powerhouse!
The Making of C.L. Taylor
Cally Taylor grew up moving between the UK and Germany due to her father’s military career, sparking her imagination early on. She earned a degree in psychology from Northumbria University in Newcastle-on-Tyne in 1995, where her fascination with abnormal and criminal psychology took root. After graduating, she spent time in London and Brighton, working as a graphic designer, web developer, and instructional designer. It wasn’t until 2005, while in Brighton, that she began writing short stories, winning competitions like the Helen Mullin Awards and Bank Street Writers in 2006. These early successes gave her the confidence to pursue writing full-time, and she hasn’t looked back since.
C.L. Taylor’s Unforgettable Stories
Taylor’s bibliography is a delightful mix of genres. As Cally Taylor, she penned romantic comedies like Heaven Can Wait (2009), which won the Pink Thong Award for Best Debut and scored a perfect 10/10 from Chicklit Club. Her second novel, Home for Christmas, was adapted into a film, showcasing her ability to craft heartwarming tales. Transitioning to psychological thrillers under C.L. Taylor, she hit the ground running with The Accident (2014), a gripping debut that sold over 150,000 copies in the UK and was named one of the top ten bestselling debuts of 2014. The story of a mother uncovering dark secrets through her daughter’s diary entries set the tone for Taylor’s signature style: fast-paced, twisty, and emotionally raw.
Other standout thrillers include The Lie (2015), which explores toxic friendships and reached number 5 on the Sunday Times bestseller list, and Sleep (2019), a Richard and Judy Book Club pick that hit number 4 on the Sunday Times chart. Her latest, Every Move You Make (2024), inspired by her own experience with stalking, follows a group of stalking victims seeking revenge. Taylor’s thrillers are known for unreliable narrators, intricate plots, and settings that range from Bristol to exotic locales, keeping readers guessing until the end. She’s also written young adult thrillers like The Island (2021), which won multiple awards for its Lost-inspired premise.
Why C.L. Taylor Matters
C.L. Taylor’s impact on the psychological thriller genre is undeniable. Her ability to blend psychological depth with page-turning suspense has earned her a global following, with translations in over 30 languages and TV options for her works. Her novels, which often explore themes of trust, betrayal, and survival, resonate with readers who crave both entertainment and emotional insight. Taylor’s personal experiences, like her stalking ordeal, add authenticity to her stories, making them both relatable and chilling. Her honorary Doctor of Letters from Northumbria University in 2024 is a testament to her influence, recognizing her contributions to literature and her ability to inspire readers and writers alike.
- Born: Worcester, England
- Key Works: Heaven Can Wait, The Accident, The Lie, Sleep, Every Move You Make
- Awards: Pink Thong Award (2009), Dead Good Books Hidden Depths Award (2017), Capital Crime Readers’ Award (2019)
- Fun Fact: Taylor’s love for dark tales was sparked by Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected!
Ready for a thrilling read? Snag The Lie or Every Move You Make and dive into C.L. Taylor’s twisty world of psychological suspense!