Picture a small-town Oregon storyteller who spun chilling tales of serial killers and dark secrets, captivating millions—meet Lisa Jackson! Born in 1952, this #1 New York Times bestselling author transformed from a struggling single mom into a suspense thriller powerhouse, crafting over 95 novels that keep readers up all night.
With a knack for weaving complex characters and heart-pounding plots, Jackson’s stories, like her gripping New Orleans and Montana series, have sold over 30 million copies in 20 languages. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this master of suspense!
The Making of Lisa Jackson
Born in Molalla, Oregon, Susan Lisa Jackson grew up surrounded by the lush forests and deer trails of her family’s homestead, a setting that later inspired the eerie backdrops of her thrillers. As a young English major at Oregon State University, she never dreamed of writing novels—until her sister, Nancy Bush, sparked the idea in 1981 after reading about romance authors in TIME Magazine. Together, they penned early romances, but Lisa’s heart leaned toward darker, suspenseful tales. As a single mother, she wrote tirelessly, hoping to support her family, a determination that fueled her rise to bestseller status.
Lisa Jackson’s Unforgettable Stories
Jackson’s novels are a rollercoaster of suspense, blending psychological depth with relentless pacing. Her New Orleans series, featuring detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya, kicks off with Hot Blooded, a steamy, serial-killer chase through pre-Katrina New Orleans that hooked readers. The Montana-based To Die series, starring detectives Regan Pescoli and Selena Alvarez, like Left to Die, plunges into chilling cases where women are left to perish in snowy wilderness.
Her standalone novels, such as The Girl Who Survived, showcase her ability to craft emotionally charged narratives, following a woman haunted by a family massacre. Jackson also ventured into historical romance under the pen name Susan Lynn Crose, penning the Medieval Trilogy, where betrayal and passion unfold in Welsh castles. Her collaboration with Nancy Bush on the Colony series delivers paranormal-tinged suspense, proving her versatility across genres.
Known for diving into the minds of killers and their pursuers, Jackson’s style is fast-paced yet rich with emotional tension. Her characters—flawed, relatable, and often female-driven—navigate complex relationships and shocking twists, making her books impossible to put down.
Why Lisa Jackson Matters
Lisa Jackson’s impact on the suspense genre is undeniable. Her ability to craft female-led stories, from gritty detectives to resilient survivors, has empowered readers and reshaped romantic suspense. With over 40 bestsellers, she’s a trailblazer for women in thriller writing, inspiring authors and fans alike. Beyond her books, Jackson’s philanthropy shines through the Killer Nashville Lisa Jackson Scholarship, supporting aspiring writers facing financial hurdles, reflecting her own early struggles.
Her stories resonate globally, translated into 20 languages, and her Pacific Northwest roots infuse her work with authentic, atmospheric settings. Jackson’s legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and unrelenting suspense that keeps readers on edge.
About Lisa Jackson
- Born: 1952 in Molalla, Oregon
- Key Works: Hot Blooded, Left to Die, The Girl Who Survived
- Awards: RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense
- Fun Fact: She’s an animal lover, supporting the Southwestern Washington Humane Society!
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag The Girl Who Survived and dive into Lisa Jackson’s world of suspense!