Picture a Southern storyteller who swapped corporate boardrooms for the thrill of crafting psychological thrillers—meet Liz Lazarus! Hailing from Valdosta, Georgia, this American author weaves gripping tales that blend legal drama with raw human emotion, drawing readers into worlds where justice and truth hang in the balance. Her novels, like Free of Malice and Plea for Justice, pulse with suspense, rooted in her own life experiences and a knack for asking 'what if?'
With a background as an engineer and business leader, Lazarus’s journey to authorship is as compelling as her stories. Her transition from a high-flying career to a literary star showcases her tenacity and passion for storytelling, making her a standout in the thriller genre.
The Making of Liz Lazarus
Born in Valdosta, Georgia, a town known for football and its spot as the last stop before Florida, Liz Lazarus was a high achiever from the start. As editor of her high school newspaper and salutatorian, she honed her knack for words early on. She earned an engineering degree from The Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management, launching a stellar career at General Electric’s Healthcare division and later as a Managing Director at a top consulting firm. Yet, writing wasn’t her first calling—she ticked off bucket-list goals like learning French in Paris, earning a pilot’s license, and producing a music CD before a persistent story idea refused to be ignored.
Liz Lazarus’s Unforgettable Stories
Lazarus’s debut novel, Free of Malice (2016), is a heart-pounding thriller inspired by a real-life attack she endured. The story follows Laura Holland, who grapples with the emotional aftermath of a violent assault and navigates the legal system to defend her right to self-defense. Its raw authenticity and psychological depth struck a chord with readers, sparking Lazarus’s writing career. Her second novel, Plea for Justice (2018), dives into the world of Jackie Siegel, a paralegal unraveling the truth behind her estranged friend’s imprisonment, blending legal intrigue with cyber-crime suspense.
In 2021, Lazarus released Shades of Silence, a poignant tale of resilience amid devastating loss. The novel explores unexpected friendships and societal challenges, showcasing her ability to tackle heavy themes with grace. Lazarus’s style is marked by vivid characters, tight pacing, and a knack for weaving personal experiences into universal stories, making her thrillers both relatable and electrifying.
Why Liz Lazarus Matters
Liz Lazarus’s impact lies in her ability to humanize complex issues like trauma, justice, and resilience. Her novels resonate with readers who crave stories that challenge the status quo while delivering edge-of-your-seat suspense. By drawing on her own experiences, she sheds light on the emotional and legal intricacies of self-defense and truth-seeking, earning praise from fans and advocacy groups like The Well Armed Woman. As a keynote speaker and advocate, she’s also sparked conversations about empowerment and the criminal justice system, cementing her influence beyond the page.
- Born: Valdosta, Georgia
- Key Works: Free of Malice (2016), Plea for Justice (2018), Shades of Silence (2021)
- Fun Fact: She’s a licensed pilot and speaks fluent French!
Ready for a thrilling read? Snag Free of Malice and dive into Liz Lazarus’s world of heart-racing suspense!