Picture a British storyteller who spins tales of mystery with a feminist twist and a dash of dark humor—meet Rosalind Stopps! Born in East London, this mystery fiction author traded a career supporting disabled children for the thrill of crafting gripping novels. Her debut, Hello, My Name is May, launched her into the literary spotlight, proving she’s a voice to watch in contemporary British fiction.
With a knack for blending suspense with emotional depth, Stopps has carved a niche in the mystery genre. Her stories resonate with readers who crave complex characters and thought-provoking themes. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of this captivating author!
The Making of Rosalind Stopps
Rosalind Stopps grew up in East London, where her love for storytelling took root early. As a child, she devoured books, sneaking reads when she should’ve been studying, from Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons to football tales meant for boys. Her passion led her to Lancaster University, where she earned a master’s in creative writing. Before becoming a novelist, Stopps spent years working with disabled children and their families, a role that shaped her empathy and focus on the ‘less heard’ voices in her fiction. With five grown children and a bustling household of humans and dogs, writing was once a stolen indulgence—until her kids grew up, giving her time to chase her literary dreams.
Rosalind Stopps’s Unforgettable Stories
Stopps burst onto the scene in 2019 with Hello, My Name is May (also published as The Stranger She Knew), a psychological thriller shortlisted for the Paul Torday Memorial Prize 2020. The novel follows May, a stroke survivor unable to speak, trapped in a care home with memories of an abusive past. Critics praised its blend of suspense, feminist sensitivity, and dry humor, likening it to Kate Atkinson’s work. The story’s alternating timelines and May’s sharp inner voice create a haunting, unputdownable read.
In 2021, Stopps released A Beginner’s Guide to Murder, a dark yet witty thriller that landed on the CWA Gold Dagger Award longlist. This novel follows three septuagenarian women—Grace, Meg, and Daphne—who band together to protect a distressed teenager, Nina. Reviewers called it ‘quirky’ and ‘character-driven,’ with Publishers Weekly hailing Stopps as ‘a writer to watch.’ Her 2024 novel, Virginia Lane is Not a Hero, continues her signature mix of suspense and courage, exploring themes of friendship and resilience. Stopps’s style—marked by vivid characters, feminist undertones, and a balance of dark and light—makes her stories both thrilling and deeply human.
Beyond novels, Stopps has a rich short fiction portfolio, with stories published in five anthologies and read at live events in London, New York, Hong Kong, and Leeds. Her ability to craft compelling narratives in both long and short forms showcases her versatility and storytelling prowess.
Why Rosalind Stopps Matters
Rosalind Stopps’s work stands out for giving voice to the marginalized—whether it’s a stroke survivor like May or elderly women defying stereotypes in A Beginner’s Guide to Murder. Her focus on the ‘less heard’ reflects her years working with disabled children, bringing authenticity and empathy to her characters. In the mystery genre, where female voices are increasingly prominent, Stopps adds a fresh perspective with her feminist lens and humor-infused storytelling. Her accolades, including award nominations, signal her growing influence, while her ability to engage readers emotionally ensures her stories linger long after the final page.
- Key Works: Hello, My Name is May (2019), A Beginner’s Guide to Murder (2021), Virginia Lane is Not a Hero (2024)
- Awards: Shortlisted for Paul Torday Memorial Prize 2020; longlisted for CWA Gold Dagger Award
- Fun Fact: Stopps lives in Margate and South East London with a lively crew of humans and dogs!
Snag A Beginner’s Guide to Murder and dive into Rosalind Stopps’s thrilling, heartwarming world of mystery!