Picture a storyteller who spins tales of suspense from the heart of Chicago—meet Lori Rader-Day! This award-winning American author has carved a niche in crime fiction with her gripping, standalone novels that keep readers guessing. From her debut, The Black Hour, to her chilling The Death of Us, Rader-Day’s knack for psychological depth and twisty plots has earned her a devoted following and a slew of prestigious awards.
Born in Thornton, Indiana, Rader-Day’s journey from cornfield dreams to literary stardom is as compelling as her stories. With a sharp eye for human nature and a love for mystery, she’s become a standout voice in contemporary crime fiction, all while shaping the genre’s community as co-chair of the Midwest Mystery Conference.
The Making of Lori Rader-Day
Raised in Boone County, Indiana, surrounded by cornfields and small-town charm, Lori Rader-Day’s early love for storytelling bloomed through childhood favorites like Agatha Christie and Beverly Cleary. Her path to writing wasn’t direct—she earned journalism degrees from Ball State University and worked in marketing before pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing at Roosevelt University in Chicago. This pivot reignited her passion, leading to short stories published in outlets like Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and a prize-winning piece in Good Housekeeping.
Rader-Day’s rural roots and urban Chicago life infuse her work with a unique Midwestern sensibility. Her time at Roosevelt, coupled with encouragement from mentors like Jodi Picoult, set the stage for her breakout in crime fiction, where she blends psychological suspense with richly drawn characters.
Lori Rader-Day’s Unforgettable Stories
Rader-Day’s novels are standalone thrillers that dive deep into human fears and secrets. Her debut, The Black Hour (2014), follows a Chicago sociology professor recovering from a shooting, earning the Anthony Award for Best First Novel for its taut narrative. Little Pretty Things (2015), a tale of jealousy and murder at a seedy motel, snagged the Mary Higgins Clark Award, showcasing her skill at crafting flawed, relatable protagonists.
The Day I Died (2017) introduces Anna Winger, a handwriting analyst entangled in a missing child case, blending psychological suspense with emotional depth. Meanwhile, Death at Greenway (2021), a historical mystery set at Agatha Christie’s holiday home, won the Agatha Award for Best Historical Novel, proving Rader-Day’s versatility. Her latest, The Death of Us (2023), explores a mother’s desperate fight to protect her son, cementing her reputation for gripping, empathetic storytelling.
Known for lean prose and intricate plots, Rader-Day’s style draws comparisons to Tana French and Paula Hawkins. Her themes—identity, loss, and redemption—resonate with readers, while her Chicago settings add a vivid, almost cinematic backdrop to her mysteries.
Why Lori Rader-Day Matters
Lori Rader-Day’s impact on crime fiction extends beyond her page-turners. As a former national president of Sisters in Crime, she’s championed equity in publishing, amplifying diverse voices in the genre. Her role as co-chair of the Midwest Mystery Conference fosters community among mystery lovers, while her teaching at Northwestern University’s MFA program inspires the next generation of writers.
Her awards—three Anthony Awards, an Agatha, and an Edgar nomination—reflect her storytelling prowess, but it’s her ability to humanize complex characters that leaves a lasting mark. Rader-Day’s novels don’t just entertain; they probe the shadows of human experience, making her a vital voice in modern crime fiction.
- Born: Thornton, Indiana
- Key Works: The Black Hour, Little Pretty Things, The Day I Died, Death at Greenway
- Awards: Anthony Award (2015, 2018, 2019), Mary Higgins Clark Award (2016), Agatha Award (2021)
- Lives: Chicago, Illinois
Snag The Day I Died or Death at Greenway and dive into Lori Rader-Day’s thrilling world of suspense—your next sleepless night awaits!