Picture an Irish storyteller weaving chilling tales that keep you up all night—meet Olivia Kiernan! This County Meath native has taken the crime thriller world by storm with her gripping Frankie Sheehan series, blending psychological depth with Dublin’s gritty charm. From her debut novel to a TV deal in the works, Kiernan’s knack for complex characters and twisty plots has readers hooked.
With a background as diverse as her stories, Kiernan’s journey from science to suspense is as fascinating as her books. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this rising star in contemporary crime fiction.
The Making of Olivia Kiernan
Born and raised in County Meath, Ireland, near the historic town of Kells, Olivia Kiernan grew up surrounded by stories and heritage. She initially pursued a scientific path, earning a diploma in anatomy and physiology and a BSc in Chiropractic. But the creative itch won out, leading her to an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Sussex. This blend of analytical and artistic influences shapes her meticulous yet evocative storytelling. Before crime fiction, she penned a romantic novel, Dawn Solstice (2013), and her short stories earned nods from prestigious awards like the Bath and Fish Short Story Awards.
Olivia Kiernan’s Unforgettable Stories
Kiernan’s breakout came with Too Close to Breathe (2018), the first in her acclaimed Frankie Sheehan series. Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan, a Dublin-based profiler scarred by a past attack, investigates a scientist’s suspicious suicide that unravels into a dark web of secrets. Critics praised its propulsive prose and complex heroine, comparing Kiernan to Tana French. The series continued with The Killer in Me (2019), where Frankie returns to her hometown to probe a gruesome murder, and If Looks Could Kill (2020), tackling a chilling case of deception.
Her fourth novel, The Murder Box (2021), sees Frankie entangled in a murder mystery game that mirrors a real missing person’s case. The Irish Independent lauded its “masterful writing” and “smashing finale.” Kiernan’s standalone thriller, The End of Us (2023), dives into psychological suspense with a Wimbledon couple’s unraveling secrets. Her style—gritty, noir-tinged, and psychologically rich—explores themes of trauma, control, and hidden truths, all set against Dublin’s vivid backdrop.
Influenced by authors like Gillian Flynn and Sebastian Barry, Kiernan crafts layered characters and plots that linger. Her forensic background shines in detailed crime scenes, while her Irish roots ground her stories in authentic settings, from Clontarf’s quiet streets to Dublin’s bustling underworld.
Why Olivia Kiernan Matters
Olivia Kiernan has carved a niche in the crowded crime thriller genre with her fearless exploration of dark themes and flawed, relatable characters. Frankie Sheehan, a detective battling PTSD yet fiercely determined, resonates with readers seeking authentic, multidimensional heroes. Her series’ TV adaptation, optioned by LA-based Freedom Films with Victoria Smurfit attached, signals her growing influence. Kiernan’s work also reflects Ireland’s evolving crime fiction scene, tackling modern issues like the dark web alongside timeless human struggles.
By blending psychological depth with procedural grit, Kiernan bridges the gap between classic whodunits and modern psychological thrillers. Her storytelling invites readers to question appearances and embrace the complexity of human nature, cementing her as a voice to watch.
About Olivia Kiernan
- Born in County Meath, Ireland, near Kells.
- Key works: Too Close to Breathe, The Murder Box, The End of Us.
- Frankie Sheehan series optioned for TV by Freedom Films.
- Holds an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Sussex.
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Too Close to Breathe and dive into Olivia Kiernan’s gripping world of crime and secrets!