Picture a storyteller who turned dictionary work into a thrilling mystery—meet Emily Arsenault! This American bestselling author weaves intellectual intrigue and suspense into novels that keep readers guessing. From her debut, The Broken Teaglass, inspired by her time at Merriam-Webster, to her haunting young adult tales, Arsenault’s unique voice has carved a niche in contemporary mystery fiction.
Born with a knack for storytelling, Arsenault’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a celebrated author is as captivating as her plots. Her ability to blend literary depth with page-turning suspense has earned her critical acclaim and a loyal following. Let’s dive into the world of Emily Arsenault, where words unravel secrets and every story feels like a puzzle waiting to be solved.
The Making of Emily Arsenault
Emily Arsenault grew up with a love for writing, penning her first novel in fifth grade about a summer camp she’d never attended. A philosophy and religion graduate from Mount Holyoke College, she landed a job as an editorial assistant at Merriam-Webster from 1998 to 2002, where she helped craft dictionary definitions. This unique experience fueled her debut novel’s clever premise. Alongside her husband, she also served in the Peace Corps in rural South Africa, an adventure that deepened her storytelling perspective. These diverse experiences—lexicography, teaching, and global service—shaped her sharp dialogue and intricate narratives.
Emily Arsenault’s Unforgettable Stories
Arsenault’s debut, The Broken Teaglass (2009), is a literary mystery where two lexicographers uncover clues to an unsolved murder hidden in dictionary files. Praised as a “literary gem” by The New York Times, it blends wordplay with suspense. Her second novel, In Search of the Rose Notes (2011), a Wall Street Journal Best Book, follows two friends revisiting their babysitter’s mysterious disappearance, showcasing Arsenault’s knack for emotionally complex mysteries.
She ventured into psychological suspense with The Evening Spider (2016), a chilling tale linking two mothers across centuries, and explored young adult fiction with The Leaf Reader (2017), where a teen’s tea-leaf readings unravel a missing person case. All the Pretty Things (2020) dives into a prep school’s dark secrets, cementing her versatility. Arsenault’s dialogue-heavy style, inspired by her desire to capture authentic voices, and her literary suspense approach—less conventional whodunit, more introspective puzzle—set her apart.
Why Emily Arsenault Matters
Emily Arsenault’s impact lies in her ability to elevate the mystery genre with intellectual depth and emotional resonance. Her novels appeal to readers who crave more than twists, offering richly drawn characters and thought-provoking themes. By drawing on her lexicography background and global experiences, she crafts stories that feel both universal and uniquely personal. Her work inspires aspiring writers to find intrigue in everyday settings, proving that a dictionary or a small town can spark a gripping tale.
Arsenault’s growing bibliography continues to captivate, with each book inviting readers to question, connect, and unravel. Living in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, with her husband and daughter, she remains a quiet force in fiction, her stories leaving a lasting imprint on the literary landscape.
- Key Works: The Broken Teaglass, In Search of the Rose Notes, The Evening Spider, The Leaf Reader, All the Pretty Things
- Hometown: Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts
- Fun Fact: She was Connecticut’s “Miss Prevent Blindness” as a preschooler, sporting an eye patch for a lazy eye.
Snag The Broken Teaglass and dive into Emily Arsenault’s world of literary suspense—your next favorite mystery awaits!