Picture a Maryland storyteller who swapped lab coats for suspenseful plots—meet Nicole Hackett! By day, she’s a biochemical patent agent navigating the world of science, but by night, she crafts gripping thrillers that unravel the dark side of social media and female friendships. Her 2023 debut, The Perfect Ones, hooked readers with its chilling take on influencer culture, cementing her as a fresh voice in mystery and suspense.
With a knack for blending psychological depth and page-turning twists, Hackett balances motherhood, a demanding career, and her passion for writing. Her stories don’t just thrill—they make you question the curated perfection of online lives. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore how this rising star became a must-read author.
The Making of Nicole Hackett
Nicole Hackett, born Nicole Clarke, grew up with a love for stories and science. A graduate of Florida Tech with a degree in biochemistry, she competed in Cross Country and Track & Field, hinting at the discipline that would later fuel her writing. Now settled just outside Baltimore, Maryland, with her husband, two kids, and a fat orange tabby, she juggles her role as a biochemical patent agent for a Washington, DC law firm with her creative pursuits. Her self-described ‘below-average toddler negotiator’ persona adds a relatable charm to her authorial voice, making her as approachable as she is talented.
Writing wasn’t an overnight leap for Hackett. Before The Perfect Ones, she penned five unpublished novels, honing her craft through persistence and a love for reading authors like Liane Moriarty. Her journey from scientist to storyteller showcases her ability to weave meticulous research into narratives that feel both authentic and electrifying.
Nicole Hackett’s Unforgettable Stories
Hackett’s debut, The Perfect Ones, released in May 2023 by Crooked Lane Books, is a psychological thriller that follows three Instagram influencers on a promotional trip to Iceland. When one, Alabama Wood, vanishes, secrets unravel, exposing the cracks behind their picture-perfect online personas. Told through alternating perspectives and timelines, the novel explores themes of friendship, mental health, and the pressures of social media fame. Reviewers praised its layered characters and surprising twists, with Kirkus Reviews calling it a ‘cleverly constructed thriller with many detours and surprises.’
While The Perfect Ones remains her only published work to date, Hackett’s style stands out for its sharp dialogue, authentic relationships, and ability to blend suspense with social commentary. Her focus on the psychological toll of influencer culture resonates in an era where online facades often mask personal struggles. Readers are drawn to her ability to craft flawed, relatable characters—like Celeste, grappling with motherhood, or Hollie, hiding her crumbling life behind Instagram filters.
Hackett’s influences, including Lucy Foley and Andrea Bartz, shine through in her pacing and atmospheric settings, with Iceland’s stark beauty amplifying the novel’s chills. Though she’s early in her career, her debut’s success suggests more thrilling tales are on the horizon, with fans eagerly awaiting her next project.
Why Nicole Hackett Matters
In a crowded thriller genre, Nicole Hackett stands out for her timely exploration of digital culture’s impact on mental health and relationships. Her debut challenges readers to question the authenticity of online personas, a topic that resonates deeply in today’s social media-driven world. By centering complex female friendships, she adds emotional depth to the suspense, making her stories as thought-provoking as they are entertaining.
Hackett’s rise as a debut author also inspires aspiring writers, proving that persistence—through six manuscripts and a demanding day job—can lead to literary success. Her ability to balance science, motherhood, and storytelling makes her a relatable figure for readers and writers alike, while her fresh perspective ensures she’s a name to watch in suspense fiction.
- Residence: Near Baltimore, Maryland
- Key Work: The Perfect Ones (2023)
- Fun Fact: She’s an avid runner, even on vacation!
Snag The Perfect Ones and dive into Nicole Hackett’s thrilling world of secrets and suspense—you won’t see the twists coming!