Picture a Lebanese-American storyteller who spins gritty crime mysteries and evocative poetry with a queer twist—meet Margot Douaihy! Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, this award-winning author has carved a unique space in literature with her bold narratives and unflinching honesty. From her debut novel Scorched Grace to her poetry collection Bandit/Queen, Douaihy’s work pulses with raw emotion and vivid storytelling.
With a PhD in Creative Writing and a passion for reimagining hardboiled tropes, Douaihy crafts stories that resonate with readers worldwide. Her queer nun sleuth, Sister Holiday, has captivated audiences, earning accolades from the likes of Gillian Flynn. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the journey of this literary trailblazer.
The Making of Margot Douaihy
Margot Douaihy grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where her love for words took root early. Of Lebanese descent, she drew inspiration from her heritage and the gritty charm of her hometown. She earned a BA in Writing from the University of Pittsburgh, followed by an MA from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a PhD from Lancaster University. Her academic journey honed her craft, blending scholarly rigor with creative fire. Douaihy’s early career saw her teaching at institutions like Marywood University and Franklin Pierce University, where she also edited the Northern New England Review.
Her passion for storytelling extended beyond the page. As a founding member of the Creative Writing Studies Organization and an active member of Sisters in Crime, Douaihy championed diverse voices in literature. Her work as an editor and mentor reflects her commitment to fostering creativity, making her a beloved figure in literary circles.
Margot Douaihy’s Unforgettable Stories
Douaihy’s debut novel, Scorched Grace (2023, Gillian Flynn Books), introduced Sister Holiday, a chain-smoking, tattooed queer nun turned amateur sleuth. This USA Today bestseller, praised as a New York Times Best Crime Novel of 2023, redefines hardboiled crime fiction with its lyrical prose and incisive social commentary. Its sequel, Blessed Water (2024), continues Sister Holiday’s journey, earning accolades as a Feminist Book Club Favorite and a New York Times Best Crime Novel of 2024.
In poetry, Douaihy shines just as brightly. Bandit/Queen: The Runaway Story of Belle Starr (2022, Clemson University Press) is a true-crime poetry project that weaves history and emotion into a gripping narrative. Scranton Lace (2018) explores the life and death of a lace factory, blending documentary precision with poetic grace. Girls Like You (2015), a Lambda Literary Award finalist, captures the complexities of queer identity with raw honesty. Douaihy’s style—gritty, lyrical, and deeply human—bridges genres, offering readers a fresh lens on life’s shadows and joys.
Her work often tackles themes of identity, faith, and resilience, infused with a queer perspective that challenges conventions. Whether through Sister Holiday’s investigations or her poetic meditations, Douaihy’s storytelling invites readers to embrace the messiness of human experience.
Why Margot Douaihy Matters
Margot Douaihy’s impact lies in her ability to blend genres and amplify marginalized voices. Her queer, decolonized take on hardboiled fiction has expanded the crime genre, earning praise from critics and readers alike. Awards like the Pinckley Prize for Crime Fiction and the F. Lammot Belin Foundation Arts Scholarship highlight her influence. As an educator at Emerson College, where she serves as an Assistant Professor, Douaihy inspires the next generation of writers to push boundaries.
Her work resonates globally, with translations in French, Spanish, and Polish, and features in outlets like PBS NewsHour and Colorado Review. By weaving her Lebanese heritage and queer identity into her narratives, Douaihy celebrates diversity and challenges stereotypes, leaving a lasting mark on contemporary literature.
- Born: Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Scorched Grace, Blessed Water, Bandit/Queen, Scranton Lace
- Awards: Pinckley Prize, Lambda Literary Award Finalist, F. Lammot Belin Foundation Arts Scholarship
Snag Scorched Grace or Bandit/Queen and dive into Margot Douaihy’s thrilling, heartfelt world of crime and poetry!