Picture a British storyteller who swapped TV studios for the page, crafting witty, twisty tales that keep you hooked—meet Jane Fallon! Born in 1960 in North London, she’s the queen of 'chick noir,' blending rom-com charm with deliciously dark betrayal. Her debut, Getting Rid of Matthew, skyrocketed to bestseller status, and she’s been captivating readers ever since with her sharp humor and relatable heroines.
Before novels, Jane was a television powerhouse, producing hits like EastEnders and This Life. But her heart was always in storytelling, and in 2006, she took a leap to chase her dream of writing. Now, with over a million books sold in the UK alone, Jane’s carved a unique niche in contemporary fiction.
The Making of Jane Fallon
Jane Elizabeth Mary Fallon grew up in Harrow, North London, the youngest of five in a flat above her parents’ newsagent shop. After attending St. Bernard’s Convent School in Slough, she studied history at University College London, where she met her partner, comedian Ricky Gervais. Writing for university magazines sparked her creative flame, but her early career took her into the arts as a literary agency assistant, then a freelance script reader. By 1994, she was producing EastEnders, honing her knack for drama that would later define her novels.
Jane’s TV career was stellar, with credits on Teachers and 20 Things to Do Before You’re 30, but her childhood dream of authorship lingered. In 2006, she left television, giving herself a year to write. That gamble paid off with her 2007 debut, a bold move that launched her into literary stardom.
Jane Fallon’s Unforgettable Stories
Jane’s novels are a masterclass in 'chick noir'—think chick-lit’s warmth with a shadowy edge. Her debut, Getting Rid of Matthew, follows Helen, a woman stuck with her lover after he leaves his wife—only to realize she can’t stand him. It sold over 300,000 copies in the UK and was translated into 16 languages. Got You Back dives into the messy lives of a cheating husband, his wife, and his mistress, earning a musical adaptation called Joyride in 2024.
Faking Friends, a fan favorite, explores betrayal when an actress discovers her best friend and fiancé are too close for comfort. It was shortlisted for the National Book Awards and longlisted for the Comedy Women in Print Prize. Just Got Real, her 2022 novel, tackles online dating’s pitfalls with three women outsmarting a deceitful Romeo. Jane’s style is conversational, her plots packed with twists, and her themes—friendship, revenge, trust—resonate deeply.
With 12 novels, including My Sweet Revenge and Queen Bee, Jane blends humor and heart, drawing inspiration from real-life betrayals (like a friend’s snarky reaction to her debut’s success). Her stories don’t always end happily, but they always feel real, making her a standout in romantic fiction.
Why Jane Fallon Matters
Jane Fallon redefined chick-lit by adding a noir twist, creating space for stories that are funny yet unflinchingly honest about human flaws. Her heroines—flawed, fierce, and relatable—empower readers to laugh at life’s chaos and embrace their strength. With translations in over 20 languages and awards like the Melissa Nathan nomination for Foursome, Jane’s global influence is undeniable.
Her transition from TV to novels inspires aspiring writers, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream. Jane’s ability to craft page-turners while staying grounded (she’s a fitness buff who loves animals) makes her a beloved figure in British literature.
- Born: December 9, 1960, Harrow, London
- Key Works: Getting Rid of Matthew, Faking Friends, Just Got Real
- Awards: Nominated for Melissa Nathan Award (2011), National Book Awards (2018)
- Fun Fact: Her novel Got You Back became a musical in Sweden!
Snag Faking Friends and dive into Jane Fallon’s wickedly fun chick noir world!