Picture a lawyer-turned-storyteller who swapped courtrooms for chilling psychological thrillers—meet Kathleen Barber! Hailing from Galesburg, Illinois, Barber burst onto the literary scene with her 2017 debut, Are You Sleeping, a gripping tale that inspired an Apple TV+ series. With a knack for weaving suspense with modern media savvy, she’s become a must-read for thriller fans.
Barber’s stories dive into family secrets, betrayal, and the murky line between truth and lies, all delivered with a pulse-pounding pace. Her unique blend of podcast-inspired storytelling and emotional depth has earned her comparisons to Ruth Ware and a loyal following eager for more.
The Making of Kathleen Barber
Raised in the heart of Illinois, Kathleen Barber grew up with a love for stories, though her early career took her to law. A graduate of the University of Illinois and Northwestern University School of Law, she practiced bankruptcy law in Chicago and New York. But the call to write was stronger. Inspired by her global travels with her husband, Barber began crafting fiction, finding her voice in the psychological thriller genre. Her pivot from law to literature was sparked by a life-changing decision to explore the world, which fueled her debut novel’s creation.
Kathleen Barber’s Unforgettable Stories
Barber’s debut, Are You Sleeping (later retitled Truth Be Told), is a masterclass in suspense. The novel follows Josie Buhrman, whose carefully constructed life unravels when a true-crime podcast reopens her father’s murder case. Inspired by the Serial podcast, Barber weaves social media and podcast transcripts into the narrative, creating a fresh, modern thriller that keeps readers guessing. Critics praised its inventive structure and emotional depth, with the Chicago Tribune predicting bestseller status.
Her second novel, Follow Me, explores the dark side of social media, blending obsession and danger in a tale that feels ripped from today’s headlines. Barber’s 2023 release, Both Things Are True, continues her signature style, diving into complex relationships and hidden truths. Her writing is marked by sharp pacing, flawed yet relatable characters, and a keen eye for how technology shapes our lives, making her a standout in the psychological thriller genre.
Barber’s ability to craft stories that feel both timely and timeless has cemented her as a rising star. Her narratives often explore the ripple effects of trauma and the power of secrets, resonating with readers who crave both heart and suspense.
Why Kathleen Barber Matters
Kathleen Barber’s impact lies in her ability to merge classic whodunit suspense with contemporary issues like media frenzy and digital voyeurism. Her debut novel’s adaptation into the Apple TV+ series Truth Be Told, starring Octavia Spencer and Aaron Paul, brought her storytelling to a global audience, proving her tales transcend the page. Barber’s work challenges readers to question truth in an era of podcasts and viral posts, making her a vital voice in modern fiction.
Her journey from lawyer to novelist also inspires aspiring writers, showing that it’s never too late to chase a creative dream. With each book, Barber continues to push the boundaries of the thriller genre, leaving readers eagerly awaiting her next twist.
- Birthplace: Galesburg, Illinois
- Key Works: Are You Sleeping (2017), Follow Me (2020), Both Things Are True (2023)
- Notable Adaptation: Truth Be Told (Apple TV+ series)
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Are You Sleeping and dive into Kathleen Barber’s world of secrets and suspense!