Picture a Massachusetts storyteller who spins chilling tales of suspense that keep you up all night—meet Edwin Hill! A master of crime fiction, Hill has captivated readers with his Hester Thursby series, blending psychological depth and twisty plots. From his Agatha Award-nominated debut to his standalone thrillers, Hill’s stories are as gripping as a New England winter storm.
Born in Duxbury, Massachusetts, Hill’s love for mysteries began in childhood, fueled by Agatha Christie and The Famous Five. His knack for storytelling, honed through family road trips across the U.S. and Canada, set the stage for a career that’s equal parts thrilling and heartfelt.
The Making of Edwin Hill
Growing up in the VHS era, Hill was as enchanted by Jaws and The Shining as he was by books. After earning a B.A. in American Studies from Wesleyan University, he dove into the dotcom boom in San Francisco. Later, he returned to Boston, earning an MFA from Emerson College and climbing the ranks to become vice president and editorial director at Bedford/St. Martin’s, a Macmillan Learning division. But his true calling was writing, and he swapped publishing for penning crime novels that pulse with suspense.
Edwin Hill’s Unforgettable Stories
Hill’s Hester Thursby series, starring a Harvard librarian with a knack for finding missing people, is a cornerstone of his work. His debut, Little Comfort (2018), follows Hester as she uncovers a trail of murder among Boston’s elite, earning an Agatha Award nomination for Best First Novel. The Missing Ones (2019) dives deeper into Hester’s world, tackling violent crimes with a nomination for both Agatha and Edgar Awards. Watch Her (2020) weaves a complex family saga, praised for its thoughtful plotting.
Beyond the series, Hill’s standalone thrillers shine. The Secrets We Share (2022) explores two sisters haunted by their father’s murder, blending police procedural with domestic suspense. His latest, Who to Believe (2024), is a twisty tale of small-town secrets, lauded for keeping readers guessing. Hill’s style—rich characters, intricate puzzles, and a nod to literary giants like Laura Lippman—makes his books both cerebral and unputdownable.
Why Edwin Hill Matters
Edwin Hill’s impact lies in his ability to craft crime fiction that’s as human as it is thrilling. His stories resonate with readers who crave emotional depth alongside heart-pounding suspense. Recognized as one of Mystery Scene magazine’s “Six Crime Writers to Watch,” Hill’s nominations for prestigious awards and starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Kirkus affirm his rising star status. His work not only entertains but also invites readers to ponder the complexities of trust, truth, and redemption.
- Born: Duxbury, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Little Comfort, The Missing Ones, Watch Her, The Secrets We Share, Who to Believe
- Awards: Nominated for Agatha and Edgar Awards
- Fun Fact: Hill lives in Roslindale, Massachusetts, with his partner Michael and their lab, Edith Ann, who “reviews” his drafts by chewing them!
Snag Little Comfort and dive into Edwin Hill’s world of suspense—your next sleepless night awaits!