Picture a Colorado storyteller who spins tales so gripping they keep you up all night—meet JoAnn Chaney! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Chaney burst onto the crime fiction scene with her electrifying debut, What You Don’t Know, in 2017. Her knack for crafting complex characters and twisty narratives has cemented her as a fresh, compelling voice in psychological thrillers, leaving readers hungry for more.
With a style that blends dark humor, razor-sharp dialogue, and shocking plot twists, Chaney’s novels explore the messy aftermath of crime and the human psyche. Her stories aren’t just about catching the bad guy—they dive deep into the lives of those left in the wreckage, making her work both thrilling and profoundly human.
The Making of JoAnn Chaney
Born and raised in the United States, JoAnn Chaney honed her storytelling craft at UC Riverside’s Palm Desert MFA program, where she developed her distinctive voice. Now living in Colorado with her family, Chaney’s journey to authorship wasn’t a straight path. Her early influences included classic crime and noir, which shaped her fascination with the darker corners of human nature. Before her debut, she quietly sharpened her skills, drawing inspiration from authors like Megan Abbott and Laura Lippman, whose character-driven thrillers left a mark on her style.
Chaney’s leap into the literary world came with a bold vision: to tell stories that linger, not just in suspense but in their emotional weight. Her MFA training gave her the tools to weave intricate plots, but it’s her keen observation of relationships and society that makes her work resonate.
JoAnn Chaney’s Unforgettable Stories
Chaney’s debut, What You Don’t Know (2017), is a masterclass in psychological suspense. Set seven years after detectives Paul Hoskins and Ralph Loren bust serial killer Jacky Seever, the novel focuses on the ripple effects of his crimes. From a disgraced detective to a struggling reporter and Seever’s own wife, Gloria, Chaney explores how a monster’s shadow lingers. Critics raved, with BookRiot naming it one of the year’s best mysteries and the Crime Writers’ Association longlisting it for the New Blood Dagger Award.
Her follow-up, As Long as We Both Shall Live (2019), is a wickedly clever domestic thriller. When Matt Evans’ wife, Marie, plummets off a cliff during a hike, suspicions swirl—especially since his first wife died under mysterious circumstances. Praised by People as “unputdownable” and compared to Gone Girl, the novel showcases Chaney’s knack for demented twists and fierce female characters. The New York Times called it a “twisty, noir-soaked” ride, and its film rights were snapped up by Made Up Stories.
Chaney’s style is unmistakable: sharp, cinematic prose, dark humor, and a focus on flawed, fascinating characters. Her themes—love’s destructive power, the cost of secrets, and society’s judgment—strike a chord with fans of Gillian Flynn and Liane Moriarty. Whether she’s dissecting a marriage or a murderer’s legacy, Chaney keeps readers guessing until the final page.
Why JoAnn Chaney Matters
JoAnn Chaney has carved a niche in crime fiction by flipping the genre’s conventions. Instead of chasing the killer, her stories linger on the survivors, exposing the raw, messy truths of trauma and redemption. Her female characters, from cunning wives to tenacious detectives, are forces of nature, challenging stereotypes and driving her narratives. By blending noir’s grit with modern psychological depth, Chaney has earned a loyal following and critical acclaim.
Her impact extends beyond bookshelves. With As Long as We Both Shall Live poised for the big screen, Chaney’s stories are reaching new audiences, proving her ability to captivate across mediums. For readers, she’s a reminder that crime fiction can be both heart-pounding and heartfelt, a balance she strikes with every word.
- Birthplace: United States
- Key Works: What You Don’t Know (2017), As Long as We Both Shall Live (2019)
- Awards: Longlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association New Blood Dagger Award
- Residence: Colorado, USA
Ready for a thriller that’ll keep you guessing? Snag What You Don’t Know or As Long as We Both Shall Live and dive into JoAnn Chaney’s wickedly smart world of crime and secrets!