Picture a storyteller who turned the neon-lit underbelly of Las Vegas into a gripping crime saga—meet J.D. Allen! This bestselling mystery novelist, known for her Shamus Award-nominated 'Sin City Investigations' series, weaves hardboiled thrillers that pulse with suspense. What makes her story even more remarkable? She overcame dyslexia and aphantasia to craft vivid tales that captivate readers worldwide.
From a struggling student who once felt 'slow' to a celebrated author, J.D. Allen’s journey is a testament to grit and creativity. Her unique perspective and relentless drive have made her a standout in the mystery genre, proving that limitations can fuel extraordinary storytelling.
The Making of J.D. Allen
Born and raised in an era when learning differences were poorly understood, J.D. Allen faced challenges early on. Undiagnosed dyslexia left her struggling in school, with her parents mistakenly blaming her teachers for her difficulties. It wasn’t until her 20s, while studying at The Ohio State University, that she was tested for dyslexia—a revelation that changed her life. Armed with new tools and a renewed love for stories, she earned a degree in physical anthropology with a creative writing minor. Her passion for storytelling, sparked in high school drama classes, began to take shape, though her path to writing was far from conventional.
Allen also lives with aphantasia, a condition that prevents her from visualizing mental images, making her writing process uniquely conceptual. Despite these hurdles, her determination to tell stories led her to a prolific career, blending her love for crime fiction with a knack for gritty, character-driven narratives.
J.D. Allen’s Unforgettable Stories
J.D. Allen’s 'Sin City Investigations' series is her crown jewel, a hardboiled saga centered on private investigator Jim Bean. The series kicked off with 19 Souls (2018), a noir thriller introducing Bean as he tangles with a cunning serial killer, Sophie Evers. Praised for its rapid pacing and vivid characters, the novel set the tone for Allen’s signature style: taut plots, flawed heroes, and a Las Vegas backdrop that’s as much a character as the people.
Subsequent novels like Skin Game (2019), a Shamus Award nominee, dive into the city’s darker corners, tackling human trafficking with unflinching realism. Flat Black Ford (2021) showcases Allen’s knack for complex characters, following Bean as he chases a cunning con woman. Her latest, No Deal (2022), keeps the series’ pulse-pounding momentum, cementing her reputation for thrillers that don’t shy away from moral gray areas. Beyond the series, Allen’s short stories in anthologies like the Anthony Award-winning Murder Under the Oaks highlight her versatility, blending suspense with sharp dialogue.
Her writing, often described as 'classic PI with a modern edge,' draws readers into a world where danger lurks behind every casino light. Despite her aphantasia, Allen crafts immersive settings through sensory details and emotional depth, proving her storytelling transcends traditional visualization.
Why J.D. Allen Matters
J.D. Allen’s impact extends beyond her page-turning novels. Her journey from dyslexia and aphantasia to literary success inspires aspiring writers, showing that creativity can thrive in unconventional ways. As a former chair of the Bouchercon National Board and past president of the Triangle Chapter of Sisters in Crime, she’s a mentor who teaches pacing, voice, and crime scene basics to new authors. Her work amplifies Las Vegas’s gritty allure, offering a fresh lens on the city’s underbelly while challenging stereotypes about learning differences.
Allen’s ability to craft compelling stories despite personal challenges resonates with readers who see her as a beacon of perseverance. Her novels, lauded by luminaries like Jeffery Deaver and Tami Hoag, have carved a niche in crime fiction, blending suspense with heart.
- Born: Date unavailable, raised in the U.S.
- Key Works: 19 Souls, Skin Game, Flat Black Ford, No Deal
- Awards: Shamus Award nominee, Mystery Writers of America Freddie Award winner
- Fun Fact: Allen has also published 11 romance novels and novellas!
Snag 19 Souls and dive into J.D. Allen’s thrilling world of Sin City suspense—you won’t put it down!