Picture a lawyer by day and a master of mystery by night—meet Laura Snider! This American author from Des Moines, Iowa, weaves gripping tales that keep readers glued to the page. Known for her Ashley Montgomery series, Snider blends her legal expertise with a knack for suspense, crafting stories that feel as real as they are thrilling.
With a talent for creating relatable characters and twisty plots, Snider has carved a niche in the mystery genre. Her novels, packed with courtroom drama and human emotion, have earned her a loyal fanbase and critical praise. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and stories of this rising star.
The Making of Laura Snider
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and raised in Topeka, Kansas, Laura Snider grew up in a bustling household with seven siblings, including her twin sister. This lively family dynamic fueled her love for storytelling, with books offering an escape and inspiration. After earning a Political Science degree from Washburn University and graduating from Drake Law School in 2009, Snider moved to Des Moines, where she fell in love with the city. Her legal career, spanning roles as a prosecutor and public defender, exposed her to the raw complexities of human behavior—perfect fodder for her novels.
Snider’s passion for reading, especially fantasy, sparked her writing journey. Around five years ago, she began crafting her own stories, driven by a desire to share the joy she found in books. Balancing law, motherhood to three children, and writing, she honed a unique voice that resonates with authenticity and suspense.
Laura Snider’s Unforgettable Stories
Snider’s flagship Ashley Montgomery series kicks off with Unsympathetic Victims (2021), a legal thriller where defense attorney Ashley Montgomery navigates a web of secrets and moral dilemmas. Praised for its sharp dialogue and unpredictable twists, it sets the tone for the series. Follow-ups like Undetermined Death (2021) and Unforgivable Acts (2022) dive deeper into Ashley’s world, blending courtroom tension with personal stakes.
Beyond the series, Snider’s standalone novel Molly Sand Must Die showcases her versatility, exploring a woman’s desperate fight for freedom in a suffocating marriage. Her collaboration with James Chandler on Justice Bites (2025), part of the Smith and Bauer Legal Thriller series, adds another layer to her portfolio, proving her ability to tackle diverse narratives. Snider’s style shines through her vivid characters and intricate plots, often inspired by her legal experiences. Her stories pulse with suspense, yet they’re grounded in relatable emotions, making readers feel every twist.
Whether it’s a fiery courtroom showdown or a quiet moment of betrayal, Snider’s attention to detail and emotional depth sets her apart. Fans love her ability to keep them guessing, with each book delivering a fresh dose of intrigue.
Why Laura Snider Matters
Laura Snider’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the mystery genre. Her legal background brings authenticity to her tales, shedding light on the complexities of the justice system while keeping readers entertained. By crafting protagonists like Ashley Montgomery—flawed, fierce, and relatable—she invites readers to connect with her stories on a personal level. Her work resonates with those who crave suspense with heart.
As a working mother and part-time prosecutor, Snider’s dedication to storytelling inspires aspiring writers, proving you can chase your passion amid a busy life. Her growing fanbase eagerly awaits each release, cementing her as a fresh voice in American mystery fiction.
- Born: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Key Works: Unsympathetic Victims, Molly Sand Must Die, Justice Bites
- Resides: Des Moines, Iowa
- Fun Fact: Snider has a twin sister and lives with two mischievous cats!
Snag Unsympathetic Victims and dive into Laura Snider’s thrilling world of mystery today!