Picture a Buffalo detective trading her badge for a pen, spinning real-life mysteries into page-turning thrillers—meet Lissa Marie Redmond! A former cold case homicide detective, Redmond brings gritty authenticity to the crime fiction genre, crafting novels that pulse with suspense and heart. Her journey from solving chilling cases to writing acclaimed mysteries has captivated readers worldwide.
With her Cold Case Investigation series, Redmond transforms her 22 years of law enforcement experience into stories that feel like they’re ripped from the headlines. Her knack for blending procedural precision with emotional depth makes her a standout in the mystery thriller world. Ready to dive into her gripping tales? Let’s explore the life and works of this remarkable storyteller.
The Making of Lissa Marie Redmond
Born and raised in Western New York, Lissa Marie Redmond grew up with a love for reading and storytelling. Her career began not with a typewriter but with a badge, joining the Buffalo Police Department at 22. Specializing in cold case homicides and the Special Victims Unit, she tackled high-profile cases, even appearing on shows like Dateline. These experiences shaped her unique perspective, fueling her transition to writing after retiring in 2015.
Redmond’s shift to fiction wasn’t a leap but a natural evolution. Her intimate knowledge of police work and human nature gave her stories an edge, grounded in realism yet brimming with intrigue. Living in Buffalo with her family, she draws inspiration from the city’s resilient spirit and stark beauty, weaving its essence into her narratives.
Lissa Marie Redmond’s Unforgettable Stories
Redmond’s debut novel, A Cold Day in Hell (2018), introduced readers to Cold Case Detective Lauren Riley, a tenacious investigator navigating Buffalo’s gritty underbelly. The story follows Riley as she doubles as a private investigator, unraveling a murder case with personal stakes. Praised by Publishers Weekly as a “well-constructed crime novel,” it set the tone for her series.
The series continues with The Murder Book (2019), where Riley wakes in a hospital, certain a cop stabbed her. This intense sequel digs into the Buffalo Police Department’s secrets, earning accolades for its “excellent police procedural” style from Kirkus Reviews. A Means to An End (2019) and Catch Your Death (2022) further showcase Redmond’s skill, trapping Riley in high-stakes mysteries, from snowbound hotels to international intrigue. Her standalone thriller, The Secrets They Left Behind (2020), follows officer Shea O’Connor undercover in a small town, delivering a “pulsating mystery” per the New York Journal of Books.
Redmond’s style is raw yet polished, blending meticulous police procedures with psychological depth. Her protagonists, like Lauren Riley, are flawed yet fierce, reflecting the real-world complexities of justice. Buffalo’s stark landscapes and resilient spirit become characters themselves, grounding her tales in a vivid sense of place.
Why Lissa Marie Redmond Matters
Lissa Marie Redmond’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the crime genre. Her law enforcement background lends unmatched authenticity, offering readers a glimpse into the toll of justice work. Fans praise her for keeping them guessing until the final page, with twists that feel earned, not contrived. Her work resonates with mystery lovers and aspiring writers, proving that real-world experience can fuel unforgettable fiction.
Beyond her novels, Redmond’s short stories, like “Falling On Ice” in Buffalo Noir, and contributions to anthologies like The Great Filling Station Holdup, showcase her versatility. Her local Buffalo readings and signings foster community, cementing her as a beloved figure in Western New York’s literary scene.
- Retired Buffalo Police cold case detective with 22 years of service.
- Key works: A Cold Day in Hell, The Murder Book, The Secrets They Left Behind.
- Member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers.
- Based in Buffalo, New York, with her family and pets.
About Lissa Marie Redmond
Snag A Cold Day in Hell and dive into Lissa Marie Redmond’s thrilling world of crime and justice—you won’t put it down!