Picture a Dutch dynamo weaving tales of crime and betrayal from a cozy Glasgow garden office—meet Heleen Kist! This former globetrotting businesswoman turned crime novelist has taken the literary world by storm with her gripping psychological suspense novels. Blending her financial expertise with a knack for twisty storytelling, Kist crafts stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats while tackling real-world issues like modern slavery and workplace discrimination.
Born in the Netherlands, Kist’s unique journey and sharp storytelling have made her a standout voice in contemporary crime fiction. Let’s dive into the life and works of this award-winning author who’s redefining the thriller genre with heart and grit.
The Making of Heleen Kist
Heleen Kist’s story begins in the Netherlands, where she grew up before her father’s job whisked her family across the globe. A Stanford-educated, quintilingual strategist, she carved out a successful career in international business and small business finance, designing innovative public sector funds and mediating commercial deals. After falling in love with a Scotsman, she settled in Glasgow, where the city’s gritty reputation sparked her pivot to crime writing. Inspired by a friend’s vegan patisserie idea and her own financial acumen, Kist penned her debut novel, In Servitude, during a self-described midlife crisis, proving it’s never too late to chase a new passion.
Heleen Kist’s Unforgettable Stories
Kist’s novels are a masterclass in blending suspense with social commentary. Her debut, In Servitude (2018), is a rollercoaster of family secrets and financial crime set in Glasgow. Centered on Grace, a woman unraveling her twin sister’s mysterious death, the novel explores modern slavery with a tense, accessible narrative. It earned a silver medal for Best European Fiction at the Independent Publishers Book Awards and a Spotlight at Bloody Scotland 2018.
Her sophomore effort, Stay Mad, Sweetheart (2019), dives into the #MeToo era, following three women—Laura, Suki, and Claire—as they confront workplace sexism and cyberbullying in Edinburgh’s tech scene. Praised for its empowering yet nuanced take, it snagged third place in the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2020. Kist’s later works, like What I Hid From You (2022) and Killer Bodies (2023), showcase her versatility, tackling addiction and locked-room mysteries with the same sharp prose. Her writing style—fast-paced, character-driven, and laced with vivid Scottish settings—makes every chapter a page-turner.
What sets Kist apart is her ability to weave complex themes into relatable stories. Drawing from her finance background, she demystifies “accounting skulduggery” while grounding her plots in the struggles of “regular women” facing extraordinary circumstances. Her dialogue crackles, and her plots twist until the final line, earning her comparisons to a cinematic storyteller.
Why Heleen Kist Matters
Heleen Kist’s impact lies in her fearless exploration of timely issues—modern slavery, gender inequality, and the dark side of technology—without sacrificing entertainment. Her novels resonate with readers who crave thrillers that provoke thought and spark discussion. By spotlighting everyday sexism in Stay Mad, Sweetheart, she’s inspired male and female readers alike to reflect on their own behaviors, making her a vital voice in the #MeToo era. Her awards and festival appearances, like Bloody Scotland, cement her as a rising star in crime fiction, while her Dutch-Scottish perspective adds a fresh lens to the genre.
About Heleen Kist
- Nationality: Dutch, based in Glasgow, Scotland
- Key Works: In Servitude (2018), Stay Mad, Sweetheart (2019), What I Hid From You (2022), Killer Bodies (2023)
- Awards: Silver Medal, Independent Publishers Book Awards (2019); Third Place, Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year (2020)
- Fun Fact: Kist once tried stand-up comedy to shake up her routine!
Snag In Servitude or Stay Mad, Sweetheart and dive into Heleen Kist’s thrilling world of crime and conscience—you won’t put them down!