Picture a British storyteller who weaves tales of tangled family secrets and heart-pounding suspense—meet Saskia Sarginson! With her novels translated into 15 languages, Sarginson has enchanted readers worldwide, drawing from her Suffolk childhood and a lifelong passion for tango dancing. Her stories, like her bestselling debut The Twins, explore identity and human connection with a thrilling, emotional edge.
From a cottage in a Suffolk pine forest to the bustling streets of London, Sarginson’s journey to literary stardom is as captivating as her books. With a knack for crafting psychological thrillers and women’s fiction, she’s a master at keeping readers up past midnight. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life, works, and legacy of this literary gem!
The Making of Saskia Sarginson
Born in Manchester in 1961, Saskia Sarginson grew up in the wild, wooded landscapes of Suffolk, where she roamed pine forests with her siblings. This free-spirited childhood, filled with goats, ponies, and endless imagination, shaped the evocative settings in her novels. After earning a B.A. in Fashion Design and Communication from St. Martin’s School of Art, she pivoted to English Literature at Cambridge University as a mature student, later securing an M.A. in Creative Writing with distinction from Royal Holloway. Before becoming a full-time author, Sarginson juggled roles as a health and beauty editor, freelance journalist, ghostwriter, and script reader, honing her storytelling craft across magazines like Cosmopolitan and The Guardian.
Saskia Sarginson’s Unforgettable Stories
Sarginson’s debut novel, The Twins (2013), was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick, introducing her signature blend of psychological suspense and family drama. Set in Suffolk, it follows twin sisters Viola and Isolte, whose idyllic childhood unravels after a haunting secret. Translated into 15 languages, it’s a gripping tale of identity and loss. Without You (2014) dives into a sister’s desperate search for her missing sibling, weaving mystery with Cold War history. The Other Me (2015) explores a woman living a double life, while her latest, Identical (2024), returns to the thriller genre with a dark tale of twins swapping lives. Sarginson’s style—poetic yet accessible, often alternating between first- and third-person narratives—brings depth to her characters. Her love for tango dancing and dog walking infuses her work with a sense of rhythm and freedom, making each novel a dance of emotions.
With 10 novels under her belt and an 11th, One Dark Summer, set for April 2025, Sarginson continues to captivate. Her ability to craft timelines and synopses ensures tightly plotted stories, while her passion for her characters shines through, inviting readers to fall in love with their struggles and triumphs.
Why Saskia Sarginson Matters
Sarginson’s impact lies in her ability to unravel the complexities of human relationships, particularly within families. Her novels resonate with readers globally, offering both heart-wrenching drama and page-turning suspense. A touching story from a Russian reader, who reconciled with her twin sister after reading The Twins, underscores Sarginson’s power to inspire real-world change. Her perseverance—writing multiple novels before her breakthrough—motivates aspiring authors, proving that talent, hard work, and a sprinkle of luck can lead to success. As she continues to explore new genres, from gothic mysteries to love stories, Sarginson’s legacy as a versatile, empathetic storyteller grows.
- Born: 1961, Manchester, England
- Key Works: The Twins, Without You, The Other Me, Identical
- Fun Fact: She’s danced Argentine tango for over 20 years!
Snag The Twins or Identical and dive into Saskia Sarginson’s thrilling world of psychological suspense—your next late-night read awaits!