Picture a Boston-based storyteller who trades a scalpel for a pen, weaving chilling crime novels that dig deep into the human psyche—meet Joanna Schaffhausen! With a doctorate in psychology and a knack for neuroscience, Schaffhausen crafts thrilling mysteries that pulse with authenticity and heart. Her fascination with true crime and complex characters has made her a standout in the crime fiction world.
From her award-winning debut to her gripping series, Schaffhausen’s stories aren’t just page-turners—they’re a masterclass in blending science, suspense, and raw emotion. Ready to dive into her world of detectives, serial killers, and secrets that haunt? Let’s explore the mind behind the mysteries.
The Making of Joanna Schaffhausen
Joanna Schaffhausen’s journey to crime fiction is as layered as her novels. Armed with a doctorate in psychology, she spent years studying the brain—how it ticks, how it breaks, and what makes it human. Her career took her from the lab to the newsroom, where she worked as an editorial producer for ABC News, crafting stories for shows like World News Tonight and 20/20. This blend of science and storytelling sharpened her ability to unravel complex narratives, a skill she now pours into her books. Inspired by true crime shows like Forensic Files, which she admits to falling asleep to, Schaffhausen found her calling in writing mysteries that feel ripped from the headlines.
Joanna Schaffhausen’s Unforgettable Stories
Schaffhausen burst onto the scene with The Vanishing Season (2017), the first in her Ellery Hathaway series, which won the 2016 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award. The novel introduces Ellery, a police officer and survivor of a serial killer’s attack, whose past collides with a chilling case of local disappearances. Its gritty realism and psychological depth set the tone for the series, which continues with titles like No Mercy (2019) and All the Best Lies (2020), each exploring trauma, justice, and resilience.
Her second series, featuring Detective Annalisa Vega, kicks off with Gone for Good (2021), a tense tale of a cold case tied to the Lovelorn Killer. Schaffhausen’s writing shines with sharp dialogue, intricate plots, and a knack for flawed, relatable characters. Her background in psychology infuses her work with authentic portrayals of mental strain, while her true crime obsession adds a layer of procedural grit. Whether it’s Ellery grappling with her scars or Annalisa chasing a killer, Schaffhausen’s stories are as emotionally charged as they are suspenseful.
Her latest, All the Way Gone (2024), delves into sociopathy, asking if a “good sociopath” can exist. This bold exploration of morality showcases Schaffhausen’s ability to tackle big questions while keeping readers on edge. Her novels don’t just entertain—they challenge us to think about the gray areas of human nature.
Why Joanna Schaffhausen Matters
Joanna Schaffhausen’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the crime genre. Her novels go beyond whodunits, diving into the emotional aftermath of violence and the strength it takes to rebuild. By centering survivors like Ellery Hathaway, she offers a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by hard-boiled detectives. Her scientific background adds credibility, making her stories resonate with readers who crave authenticity. Schaffhausen’s work also elevates the voices of women in crime fiction, both as characters and as creators, inspiring a new wave of writers to explore the genre’s psychological depths.
Her growing fanbase and critical acclaim, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and praise from authors like Lisa Gardner, cement her as a rising star. Schaffhausen’s stories remind us that crime fiction can be thrilling, thoughtful, and deeply human all at once.
- Key Works: The Vanishing Season, Gone for Good, All the Way Gone
- Awards: 2016 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award
- Fun Fact: She lives in Boston with her husband, daughter, and a basset hound named Winston!
Snag The Vanishing Season and dive into Joanna Schaffhausen’s gripping world of crime and courage!