Picture a New York storyteller who swapped magazine deadlines for spine-chilling young adult thrillers—meet Jessica Goodman! With her knack for weaving tales of privilege, secrets, and teenage angst, Goodman has become a New York Times bestselling author, captivating readers with novels like They Wish They Were Us. Her stories pulse with the energy of her Long Island roots and journalistic grit, making her a standout in the YA thriller scene.
From editing op-eds at Cosmopolitan to crafting page-turners, Goodman’s journey is as thrilling as her books. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this dynamic novelist!
The Making of Jessica Goodman
Raised on Long Island, Jessica Goodman grew up surrounded by the suburban landscapes that often backdrop her novels. Her love for storytelling sparked early, fueled by authors like Megan McCafferty and Megan Abbott, who inspired her to explore the messy, thrilling world of teenage girls. Goodman studied at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, honing her skills as a reporter and editor. She climbed the ranks at outlets like Entertainment Weekly and HuffPost before landing as Cosmopolitan’s op-ed editor, where she won a National Magazine Award in 2017 for personal service.
But writing fiction was always her dream. While juggling her high-octane journalism career, Goodman quietly penned her debut novel, drawing from her Long Island upbringing and fascination with true crime. That persistence paid off, launching her into the literary spotlight.
Jessica Goodman’s Unforgettable Stories
Goodman’s novels are a masterclass in YA thrillers, blending sharp social commentary with heart-pounding suspense. Her debut, They Wish They Were Us (2020), follows a high school senior unraveling a murder mystery in an elite Long Island prep school. It’s a gripping tale of privilege and betrayal, earning praise for its Gossip Girl-meets-One of Us Is Lying vibe. Her follow-up, They’ll Never Catch Us (2021), dives into the competitive world of cross-country running, where two sisters face dark secrets after a teammate vanishes. It’s now in development as a Netflix series!
The Counselors (2022) takes readers to a glamorous summer camp where a counselor’s past leads to a chilling mystery, while The Legacies (2023) explores New York City’s elite social circles with twists and blackmail. Her latest, The Meadowbrook Murders (2025), cements Goodman’s knack for crafting complex teen girls and dark, twisty plots. Her style—raw, pulsing, and deeply psychological—tackles themes like power dynamics, loyalty, and the weight of societal expectations, resonating with teens and adults alike.
Goodman’s journalistic background shines through in her meticulous research and vivid settings, making her stories feel ripped from reality. Her ability to capture the nuances of adolescence, from fierce ambition to vulnerability, has made her a favorite among YA readers.
Why Jessica Goodman Matters
Jessica Goodman’s impact lies in her fearless exploration of teenage girlhood—its beauty, brutality, and complexity. Her novels don’t just entertain; they challenge readers to question privilege, power, and the systems that shape us. By centering strong, flawed female characters, she’s carved a space in YA literature for stories that feel both universal and deeply personal. Her work has been translated into 15 languages, and her growing fanbase eagerly awaits each release.
Beyond her books, Goodman’s transition from journalism to fiction inspires aspiring writers, proving that passion projects can become dream careers. Her stories remind us that even in the darkest mysteries, there’s room for hope and resilience.
- Born: Long Island, New York
- Key Works: They Wish They Were Us, They’ll Never Catch Us, The Counselors, The Legacies, The Meadowbrook Murders
- Awards: National Magazine Award (2017, Cosmopolitan team)
Ready for a thrilling read? Snag They Wish They Were Us and dive into Jessica Goodman’s electrifying world of secrets and suspense!