Picture a Pittsburgh-born storyteller who weaves suspenseful tales that keep book clubs buzzing—meet Jessica Strawser! A literary dynamo, she’s the USA Today bestselling author of domestic thrillers like Almost Missed You and Not That I Could Tell, blending heart-pounding suspense with the complexities of human relationships. By day, she’s the editor-at-large for Writer’s Digest, guiding aspiring authors, while her novels captivate readers with their emotional depth and twisty plots.
From her childhood perched in a cherry willow tree, scribbling in journals, to her current home in Cincinnati, Strawser’s journey is one of passion and persistence. Her unique lens as both an industry insider and a novelist makes her a standout voice in contemporary fiction, inviting readers to explore the secrets we keep and the bonds we cherish.
The Making of Jessica Strawser
Born in Pittsburgh, Jessica Strawser grew up with a love for stories, often reading and writing in unconventional spots like tree branches. As a teen, she co-edited her high school newspaper, The Moonbeams, and landed her first front-page byline with The Allegheny Times. Her path led to Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, where she honed her craft, covering courts for The Post and editing Southeast Ohio magazine. After graduating as the outstanding senior in 2001, she joined Writer’s Digest in Cincinnati, kicking off a 20-year publishing career that shaped her dual roles as editor and author.
Jessica Strawser’s Unforgettable Stories
Strawser’s novels are book club gold, merging women’s fiction with domestic suspense to explore love, betrayal, and hidden truths. Her debut, Almost Missed You (2017), a Barnes & Noble Best New Fiction pick, follows a mother grappling with her husband’s sudden disappearance with their son, unraveling secrets through alternating viewpoints. Not That I Could Tell (2018), a Book of the Month selection, dives into a neighborhood shaken by a woman’s vanishing, blending thriller elements with friendship dynamics.
Her 2021 novel, A Million Reasons Why, tackles family secrets when two half-sisters connect via a DNA test, weaving in themes of chronic illness and forgiveness. Most recently, Catch You Later (2024), an instant USA Today bestseller, traces two friends at an Ohio travel stop, haunted by a mysterious disappearance. Strawser’s style—marked by emotional resonance, flawed characters, and propulsive pacing—keeps readers hooked, earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and ALA Booklist.
Her work reflects a Midwest sensibility, with settings like Cincinnati’s fictionalized landscapes grounding her stories in relatable, homey vibes. Whether it’s the whirr of an interstate or the quiet of a nature center, Strawser’s settings amplify her themes of connection and loss, making her novels both thrilling and deeply human.
Why Jessica Strawser Matters
Jessica Strawser’s impact extends beyond her page-turners. As a mentor, she’s shaped countless writers through Writer’s Digest, her in-depth interviews with authors like Alice Walker and David Sedaris offering a masterclass in craft. Her 2019 role as Writer-in-Residence for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County saw her teaching workshops and hosting podcasts, fostering a vibrant literary community. The 2024 Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award underscores her influence as a regional and national voice.
For readers, Strawser’s novels resonate because they mirror real-life complexities—friendships strained by secrets, families reshaped by revelations. Her ability to blend suspense with emotional depth has made her a book club favorite, sparking discussions about trust and redemption. In a genre often dominated by high-stakes crime, Strawser’s focus on domestic drama offers a refreshing, relatable twist, cementing her as a must-read in contemporary fiction.
- Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Almost Missed You, Not That I Could Tell, A Million Reasons Why, Catch You Later
- Awards: 2024 Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award
- Notable Role: 2019 Writer-in-Residence, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
Snag Catch You Later and dive into Jessica Strawser’s thrilling world of secrets and suspense—you won’t put it down!