Picture a former lawyer turned globe-trotting storyteller who crafts mysteries as captivating as an Agatha Christie classic—meet Jaclyn Goldis! This bestselling author weaves romance and suspense into novels that whisk readers from luxurious French chateaus to the sun-drenched shores of Tel Aviv, her adopted home. With a knack for blending historical depth with modern twists, Goldis has carved a unique niche in contemporary fiction.
From her debut novel during the pandemic to her latest locked-room thrillers, Goldis’s stories pulse with secrets, complex characters, and exotic locales. Her journey from a Chicago law firm to writing in beachside cafés is as inspiring as the tales she spins. Let’s dive into the world of Jaclyn Goldis and discover what makes her novels impossible to put down!
The Making of Jaclyn Goldis
Born and raised in Michigan, Jaclyn Goldis earned a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan and a JD from NYU School of Law. For seven years, she practiced estate planning law at a prestigious Chicago firm, but her heart yearned for something more. Inspired by a lifelong love of classic mystery authors like Agatha Christie and Isaac Asimov, she left her legal career in 2015 to chase her dream of writing novels. With only a backpack’s worth of possessions, Goldis traveled the world for over a year before settling in Tel Aviv, where the Mediterranean’s rhythm fuels her creativity.
Her early love for locked-room mysteries and historical fiction shaped her storytelling. Goldis’s Jewish heritage and close bond with her grandmother also play a significant role, particularly in her debut novel. Writing from Tel Aviv’s vibrant cafés, she transforms personal experiences and global adventures into stories that resonate with readers worldwide.
Jaclyn Goldis’s Unforgettable Stories
Goldis burst onto the literary scene in 2021 with When We Were Young, a historical women’s fiction novel inspired by her grandmothers’ stories. Spanning three generations of a Jewish family, from World War II-era Greece to modern-day Florida, it explores love, sacrifice, and family traditions. The novel’s emotional depth and vivid settings showcased Goldis’s ability to blend historical and contemporary narratives.
Her pivot to mystery thrillers cemented her reputation. The Chateau (2023) is a locked-room mystery set in a luxurious French estate, where secrets unravel among friends after a brutal crime. Critics praised its “tense and twisty” plot, comparing it to Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley. The Main Character (2024), a modern homage to Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, follows a thriller author who orchestrates a real-life mystery aboard a lavish Italian train. With rich characters and a glamorous setting, it’s been called “rollicking good fun” by The Wall Street Journal. Her upcoming novel, The Safari (May 2025), promises another thrilling adventure.
Goldis’s style is marked by intricate plots, atmospheric settings, and flawed yet relatable characters. Her love for Christie’s locked-room mysteries shines through, but she infuses modern themes like wealth, power dynamics, and personal trauma, creating stories that feel both timeless and fresh.
Why Jaclyn Goldis Matters
Jaclyn Goldis has quickly become a standout in the mystery and romance genres, offering readers escapist yet thought-provoking tales. Her ability to craft stories that balance glamour with psychological depth appeals to fans of both commercial and literary fiction. By drawing on her Jewish heritage and global experiences, she brings diverse perspectives to her work, enriching the genre with cultural nuance.
Her rise from lawyer to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers, proving that following one’s passion can lead to remarkable success. Goldis’s novels not only entertain but also invite readers to reflect on love, loyalty, and the secrets we keep, ensuring her lasting impact in contemporary fiction.
- Key Works: When We Were Young (2021), The Chateau (2023), The Main Character (2024), The Safari (2025)
- Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Romance
- Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
- Current Home: Tel Aviv, Israel
Ready for a thrilling escape? Snag The Main Character or The Chateau and dive into Jaclyn Goldis’s world of secrets, suspense, and sun-soaked settings!