Picture a storyteller who taught herself to read at three just to weave tales of mystery and suspense—meet Michele Pariza Wacek! A USA Today bestselling author, Michele crafts clean, twisty mysteries that blend psychological thrills, cozy vibes, and a sprinkle of romance. From her Wisconsin roots to her Arizona mountain home, her stories captivate readers with chilling secrets and heart-pounding plots.
The Making of Michele Pariza Wacek
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Michele Pariza Wacek was a literary prodigy, teaching herself to read at age three because she was desperate to write stories. This passion led her to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she majored in Communications and English. Before diving into fiction, Michele built a thriving career as a professional copywriter, founding an international marketing company that sold over $50 million in products and services. Her knack for words wasn’t just business-savvy—it was the foundation for her storytelling empire.
Michele Pariza Wacek’s Unforgettable Stories
Michele’s fiction debut, It Began With a Lie (2018), kicked off her Secrets of Redemption series, a psychological thriller about Becca, a woman unraveling a haunted past in Redemption, Wisconsin. The novel’s gripping narrative and January LaVoy’s award-winning audiobook narration earned it a 2018 PRG Reviewers’ Choice Award. This Happened to Jessica (2018) continues Becca’s quest, blending mystery with supernatural chills. In The Stolen Twin (2015), part of the Riverview Mysteries, Michele explores family secrets through a thrilling lens. Her cozy mystery, The Murder Before Christmas (2020), adds a lighter, humorous touch to her repertoire, proving her versatility across subgenres.
Michele’s style is a masterclass in suspense, weaving clean, twist-filled plots that keep readers guessing. Her Wisconsin settings ground her stories in a hauntingly familiar atmosphere, while dashes of romance and supernatural elements add depth. Whether it’s a cozy whodunit or a dark psychological thriller, Michele’s characters—like Becca or Charlie Kingsley—pull readers into their emotional and mysterious worlds.
Why Michele Pariza Wacek Matters
Michele Pariza Wacek has carved a unique niche in the mystery genre, blending accessibility with complexity. Her ability to craft stories that are both thrilling and “clean” (free of graphic content) appeals to a wide audience, from cozy mystery fans to psychological thriller enthusiasts. Beyond fiction, her “Love-Based Business” nonfiction series, including Love-Based Copywriting, has inspired entrepreneurs to market with authenticity, impacting business communities. With over a dozen books and a loyal following, Michele’s storytelling continues to resonate, proving that a good mystery can both entertain and inspire.
- Born: Madison, Wisconsin
- Key Works: It Began With a Lie, The Stolen Twin, The Murder Before Christmas
- Awards: 2018 PRG Reviewers’ Choice Award, 2020 Voice Arts Award for audiobook narration
- Fun Fact: Michele lives with her husband and dog Cassie, a southern squirrel hunter, in Prescott, Arizona.
Ready for a thrilling read? Snag It Began With a Lie and dive into Michele Pariza Wacek’s twisty world of mystery!