Picture a Singaporean storyteller weaving mysteries that unravel the digital age—meet Jane Pek! With her debut novel, The Verifiers, Pek burst onto the literary scene, blending sharp wit, corporate intrigue, and the wild world of online dating. Her knack for crafting authentic characters and thought-provoking plots has made her a rising star in contemporary mystery, captivating readers from New York to Singapore and beyond.
Born and raised in Singapore, Pek’s journey from a book-loving child to a critically acclaimed author is as intriguing as her stories. Now based in New York, she balances a career as a lawyer with her passion for writing, creating narratives that resonate with modern readers while staying timeless in their appeal.
The Making of Jane Pek
Growing up in Singapore, Jane Pek was a voracious reader, spending Sunday afternoons at the library with her mother and siblings. Her love for mystery novels, from Agatha Christie to Tana French, sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling. After earning a BA in History from Yale University, a JD from NYU School of Law, and an MFA in Fiction from Brooklyn College, Pek honed her craft. Her short fiction appeared in The Best American Short Stories in 2020 and 2021, setting the stage for her novelistic debut. By day, she navigates the corporate world as a lawyer, but by night, she crafts intricate mysteries that challenge societal norms and explore human connection.
Jane Pek’s Unforgettable Stories
Pek’s debut, The Verifiers (2022), introduces Claudia Lin, a queer, bike-riding sleuth who verifies online dating profiles for a secretive agency in New York City. When a client vanishes, Claudia uncovers a web of corporate deceit and AI conspiracies, blending literary mystery with family drama. Critics, including The New York Times, praised its originality, calling it “well rendered and charming.” The novel’s exploration of technology’s role in relationships feels both timely and timeless, earning it accolades like a Washington Post Best Mystery Book of the Year.
Her follow-up, The Rivals (2024), elevates the stakes, transforming Claudia’s story into a spy thriller. Here, Claudia exposes dating platforms mining user data to create manipulative bots, cementing Pek’s reputation for genre-bending narratives. Pek’s style—witty, incisive, and layered—draws readers into richly detailed worlds. Her characters, like Claudia, defy stereotypes, offering fresh perspectives on identity, love, and trust. Pek’s ability to weave humor with suspense makes her work both entertaining and profound, appealing to fans of Veronica Mars and Nancy Drew alike.
Why Jane Pek Matters
Jane Pek’s impact lies in her ability to merge modern anxieties—technology, privacy, identity—with classic mystery tropes. Her stories resonate with a global audience, reflecting the complexities of the digital age while celebrating human resilience. As a Singaporean-American author, Pek brings a unique cultural lens, crafting characters who navigate family expectations and personal desires with authenticity. Her critical acclaim, including nominations for the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award, signals a promising career. Pek’s work invites readers to question the algorithms shaping our lives, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- Born: Singapore
- Key Works: The Verifiers (2022), The Rivals (2024)
- Notable Awards: Longlisted for VCU Cabell First Novelist Award, Finalist for Joseph Hansen Award for LGBTQ Crime Writing
- Fun Fact: Pek cycles around NYC in search of the perfect almond croissant!
Ready to dive into a mystery that’s as smart as it is thrilling? Grab The Verifiers and join Claudia Lin in Jane Pek’s captivating world of digital deceit and heartfelt storytelling!