Picture a Chicago-born storyteller who swapped courtrooms for high-octane thrillers—meet Jamie Freveletti! This trial attorney turned bestselling author burst onto the scene with her debut novel, Running from the Devil, a pulse-pounding tale that introduced the fierce biochemist Emma Caldridge. With a knack for blending legal expertise, martial arts grit, and global intrigue, Freveletti crafts stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Freveletti’s unique mix of brains, action, and heart has earned her international acclaim, including a Barry Award and an International Thriller Writers Best First Novel award. Her thrillers don’t just entertain—they educate, weaving science, technology, and real-world issues into narratives that feel ripped from the headlines.
The Making of Jamie Freveletti
Born in Addison, Illinois, Jamie Freveletti’s journey to thriller stardom was anything but ordinary. After earning a law degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, she practiced as a trial attorney, tackling cases from mass salmonella poisoning to securities fraud. Her time in Geneva, Switzerland, where she earned a diploma in International Studies, sparked a love for global perspectives that now fuels her writing. An avid ultramarathon runner and black belt in aikido, Freveletti channels her discipline and adventurous spirit into her craft.
Her pivot to writing came from a passion for storytelling, inspired by her diverse experiences. Freveletti’s legal background gave her a sharp eye for detail, while her martial arts training and running fueled the relentless pace of her novels. By 2009, she was ready to unleash Running from the Devil, a game-changer that put her on the map.
Jamie Freveletti’s Unforgettable Stories
Freveletti’s Emma Caldridge series is the heart of her bibliography, showcasing her signature style: intelligent, action-packed thrillers with a strong female lead. Running from the Devil (2009) follows biochemist Emma Caldridge as she survives a plane crash in Colombia, only to face armed kidnappers and a web of conspiracy. The novel’s breakneck pace and gritty realism won it critical acclaim, including a Barry Award.
The series continues with Running Dark (2010), where Emma tackles Somali pirates and a chemical weapon threat, and The Ninth Day (2011), a high-stakes race against a bioterror plot. Blood Run (2017), the fifth installment, sees Emma on a humanitarian mission in Senegal that turns deadly. Freveletti’s ability to weave science, geopolitics, and human drama into her plots sets her apart, while Emma’s evolution from scientist to action heroine feels authentic and inspiring.
Beyond her own series, Freveletti has penned two novels for Robert Ludlum’s Covert-One series: The Janus Reprisal (2012) and The Geneva Strategy (2015). These books showcase her versatility, delivering Ludlum’s trademark espionage with her own fresh, female-driven perspective. Her short stories, like “The Disappearing Place” in the 2023 anthology Infinity, reveal her knack for concise, haunting tales.
Why Jamie Freveletti Matters
Jamie Freveletti’s impact lies in her ability to redefine the thriller genre. Her strong, smart heroines like Emma Caldridge challenge stereotypes, offering readers a refreshing alternative to traditional action heroes. By grounding her stories in real-world issues—bioterrorism, drone warfare, global health—she educates as she entertains, making complex topics accessible and gripping.
Her contributions to non-fiction, like the 2017 anthology Anatomy of Innocence, highlight her commitment to justice, drawing on her legal roots to shed light on wrongful convictions. Freveletti’s global reach, with translations in four languages, and her awards underscore her influence, inspiring aspiring writers to blend intellect with adrenaline in their own work.
- Born: Addison, Illinois
- Key Works: Running from the Devil, Blood Run, The Janus Reprisal
- Awards: Barry Award (2010), International Thriller Writers Best First Novel (2010)
- Fun Fact: She’s crewed for ultramarathon runners in 100-mile races!
Snag Running from the Devil and dive into Jamie Freveletti’s thrilling world of brains, bravery, and breakneck adventure!