Picture a British storyteller who swapped corporate life for high-octane crime thrillers—meet Steph Broadribb! Born in Birmingham, England, this bestselling author has captivated readers with her pulse-pounding Lori Anderson series and the cozy yet gripping Retired Detectives Club mysteries. With a knack for crafting fearless female leads and breakneck plots, Broadribb’s work is a thrilling ride through the gritty underbelly of crime fiction.
Her debut, Deep Down Dead, introduced the world to Lori Anderson, a Florida bounty hunter juggling single motherhood and dangerous jobs. Broadribb’s unique blend of heart, grit, and action has earned her a loyal following and critical acclaim. Let’s dive into her journey from crime fiction fan to a celebrated author who’s redefining the thriller genre!
The Making of Steph Broadribb
Born in Birmingham and raised in Buckinghamshire, Steph Broadribb was hooked on crime fiction from childhood, devouring Sherlock Holmes stories. Her early career as a corporate professional seemed worlds away from her passion, but by night, she blogged as Crime Thriller Girl, reviewing books and interviewing authors. This double life fueled her creativity, leading her to earn an MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) from City University London. What sets Broadribb apart? Her real-world training as a bounty hunter in California, which infuses her stories with authentic, edge-of-your-seat action.
Her transatlantic experiences—splitting time between the UK and the US—shaped her vivid settings, from Florida’s sultry swamps to Chicago’s towering skyscrapers. Broadribb’s love for American action films and thrillers also sparked her fascination with the States, giving her novels a cinematic flair that hooks readers from page one.
Steph Broadribb’s Unforgettable Stories
Broadribb’s Lori Anderson series is her crown jewel, kicking off with Deep Down Dead (2016). This debut follows Lori, a single mom and bounty hunter, as she takes on a risky job to pay for her daughter Dakota’s leukemia treatment. The novel’s blend of high-stakes action and emotional depth earned it a spot on the UK and AU Kindle charts and nominations for the ITW Best First Novel Award. Sequels like Deep Blue Trouble (2017), Deep Dirty Truth (2018), and Deep Dark Night (2020) keep the adrenaline pumping, with Lori facing mobsters, kidnappers, and even Florida’s wildlife.
In 2022, Broadribb launched the Retired Detectives Club series with Death in the Sunshine. Set in a luxurious Florida retirement community, it follows four ex-cops turned amateur sleuths. Books like Death at Paradise Palms (2022) and Death on the Beach (2023) offer a cozier vibe but retain Broadribb’s signature tension. Writing as Stephanie Marland, she also penned the Starke/Bell psychological thrillers, like My Little Eye (2018), showcasing her versatility. Her style—fast-paced, emotionally rich, and packed with strong women—draws comparisons to Lee Child and Gillian Flynn.
Broadribb’s settings are characters in themselves, from the Everglades’ eerie marshes to Chicago’s locked-down skyscrapers. Her bounty hunter background lends authenticity, making every chase and showdown feel real. Whether it’s Lori’s heart-pounding missions or the retirees’ clever sleuthing, Broadribb’s stories balance raw action with human connection.
Why Steph Broadribb Matters
Steph Broadribb has carved a niche in crime fiction by blending gritty action with emotional stakes, proving women can lead the charge in a genre often dominated by male protagonists. Her Lori Anderson series redefined the bounty hunter archetype, while her Retired Detectives Club books bring fresh perspective to cozy mysteries. Shortlisted for awards like the eDunnit eBook of the Year and Dead Good Reader Awards, her work resonates with readers who crave both thrills and heart.
Beyond her novels, Broadribb inspires aspiring writers through her coaching at Crime Fiction Coach, sharing her expertise with the next generation. Her journey—from blogger to bestselling author—shows that passion and persistence can turn dreams into reality, making her a beacon for crime fiction fans and writers alike.
- Born: Birmingham, England
- Key Works: Deep Down Dead, Death in the Sunshine, My Little Eye (as Stephanie Marland)
- Awards: Shortlisted for ITW Best First Novel, eDunnit eBook of the Year
- Fun Fact: Trained as a bounty hunter in California
Ready for a thrilling escape? Snag Deep Down Dead or Death in the Sunshine and dive into Steph Broadribb’s electrifying world of crime fiction!