Picture two brilliant minds weaving spine-chilling tales in the heart of small-town America—meet Katherine Greene, the pen name of bestselling authors A. Meredith Walters and Claire C. Riley! This dynamic duo has taken the thriller world by storm, blending true crime, psychological suspense, and a dash of supernatural horror. Their novels, steeped in eerie atmospheres and strong female voices, keep readers guessing until the final page.
Based in the United Kingdom, Walters and Riley channel their love for dark, twisty stories into gripping narratives that explore the secrets lurking in tight-knit communities. If you’re a fan of Ruth Ware or Lisa Jewell, Katherine Greene’s books will have you hooked!
The Making of Katherine Greene
Katherine Greene isn’t one person but a powerhouse collaboration. A. Meredith Walters, known for her contemporary adult romances like Find You in the Dark, and Claire C. Riley, a master of dark thrillers, both cut their teeth on spine-tingling tales. Their shared passion for true crime and complex female characters led them to unite under the Greene pseudonym. Living in the UK with their families, they draw inspiration from their diverse backgrounds—Walters from her Appalachian roots and Riley from her knack for crafting unsettling narratives.
Their collaboration began with a mutual love for stories that leave readers questioning reality. Walters’ experience growing up in a superstitious Appalachian community and Riley’s flair for psychological depth set the stage for their unique storytelling. Together, they craft novels that feel both intimate and hauntingly universal.
Katherine Greene’s Unforgettable Stories
Katherine Greene’s debut, The Woods Are Waiting (2023), is a slow-burn thriller set in Blue Cliff, Virginia, a fictional Appalachian town plagued by missing children and dark legends. The story follows Cheyenne Ashby, who returns to confront her hometown’s sinister past and the myth of the Hickory Man. Readers praise its creepy, folkloric vibe and intricate plotting, comparing it to T. Kingfisher’s gothic mysteries.
Their second novel, The Lake of Lost Girls (2024), dives into a true crime-inspired mystery at Southern State University. Alternating between 1998 and 2022, it follows Lindsey, who investigates her sister Jessica’s disappearance with the help of a viral podcast, Ten Seconds to Vanish. The novel’s chilling atmosphere and shocking twists earned it a 2024 November LibraryReads Pick and accolades for its exploration of sisterhood and true crime culture.
Greene’s style is atmospheric and character-driven, weaving superstition, small-town secrets, and psychological tension. Their stories often feature resilient women unraveling mysteries, with a nod to the darker side of human nature. Fans love the layered narratives and unexpected reveals that keep them up all night.
Why Katherine Greene Matters
Katherine Greene has carved a niche in the thriller genre by blending the intimacy of small-town settings with the high stakes of true crime. Their work resonates with readers who crave stories that explore the intersection of personal trauma and societal obsession, particularly through a female lens. By incorporating modern elements like podcasts and social media, they reflect how technology shapes our understanding of mysteries.
Their impact lies in their ability to make the familiar feel unsettling, turning quaint towns into stages for suspense. As rising stars, Walters and Riley are redefining collaborative authorship, proving two minds can create a singular, unforgettable voice. Their growing fanbase eagerly awaits their next chilling tale.
- Key Works: The Woods Are Waiting (2023), The Lake of Lost Girls (2024)
- Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Horror
- Publishers: Crooked Lane Books
Snag The Lake of Lost Girls and dive into Katherine Greene’s thrilling world of secrets and suspense!