Picture a British storyteller who turned a near-death experience into a gripping tale of suspense—meet Emily Koch! This Bristol-based novelist and former journalist has taken the crime and thriller genre by storm with her unique narratives and emotionally charged storytelling. Her debut, If I Die Before I Wake, captivated readers with its chilling premise of a comatose protagonist unraveling a mystery, earning her a spot as one of Waterstones’ most exciting new crime writers.
Koch’s ability to blend psychological depth with heart-pounding suspense has made her a rising star. With three novels under her belt, she’s not just writing stories—she’s crafting experiences that linger long after the final page. Let’s dive into the world of Emily Koch and discover what makes her work so unforgettable.
The Making of Emily Koch
Born and raised in the UK, Emily Koch honed her storytelling skills as an award-winning journalist at the Bristol Post. Her investigative work, including a 2012 exposé that won her Young Journalist of the Year, showcased her knack for uncovering hidden truths—a skill that would later define her fiction. A life-altering accident in which she was hit by a car, breaking both legs, sparked her debut novel’s concept. After leaving journalism to pursue a master’s in creative writing at Bath Spa University, Koch channeled her experiences into her first book, launching her literary career.
Now living in Bristol with her husband and daughters, Koch balances family life with her passion for writing. In 2016, she co-founded WriteClub, a Bristol-based creative writing workshop, fostering a community of aspiring authors. Her journey from newsroom to novelist is a testament to her resilience and storytelling prowess.
Emily Koch’s Unforgettable Stories
Koch’s novels are a masterclass in suspense, blending psychological drama with intricate mysteries. Her debut, If I Die Before I Wake (2018), follows Alex, a man trapped in a coma, piecing together clues to solve his own attempted murder. Praised by The Guardian as “a debut to be reckoned with,” it was shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award and won France’s Prix du Bureau des Lecteurs in 2021.
Her second novel, Keep Him Close (2020), is a dark, Bristol-set drama exploring two mothers’ lives intertwined by tragedy. Featuring landmarks like HMP Bristol and Gloucester Road, it cemented Koch’s reputation for vivid settings and emotional depth. Waterstones hailed it as proof of her status among top crime writers. What July Knew (2023), her third novel, follows ten-year-old July Hooper uncovering her mother’s death in a 1990s setting. Readers lauded its balance of heartbreak and humor, tackling domestic violence with sensitivity.
Koch’s style is defined by immersive narratives, unreliable narrators, and themes of consciousness, loss, and truth. Her journalistic background shines through in her meticulous research and authentic characters, making each story feel deeply human yet thrillingly unpredictable.
Why Emily Koch Matters
Emily Koch’s impact lies in her ability to redefine the thriller genre with emotional and philosophical depth. Her exploration of consciousness in If I Die Before I Wake challenges readers to ponder life, mortality, and agency, while her later works tackle societal issues like grief and domestic abuse with nuance. By setting her stories in Bristol, she brings a local flavor that resonates globally, earning her accolades from readers and critics alike.
Koch’s influence extends beyond her books. Through WriteClub, she nurtures new voices, contributing to Bristol’s vibrant literary scene. As a former journalist, she bridges the gap between factual storytelling and fiction, proving that truth can be just as compelling in imagined worlds. Her growing fanbase eagerly awaits her next work, a sign of her lasting mark on contemporary fiction.
- Key Works: If I Die Before I Wake, Keep Him Close, What July Knew
- Awards: Young Journalist of the Year (2012), Prix du Bureau des Lecteurs (2021)
- Hometown: Bristol, UK
Ready to get lost in a thrilling tale? Snag If I Die Before I Wake and dive into Emily Koch’s twisty, emotional world of suspense!