Picture a storyteller who spun a web of mystery, wit, and teenage chaos with the flair of a screwball comedy—meet Stephanie Tromly! Born in Manila and raised in Hong Kong, this Filipino-Canadian author carved a niche in young adult literature with her genre-bending Trouble trilogy. Tromly’s stories, brimming with fast-talking sleuths and Breakfast Club vibes, capture the messy brilliance of adolescence.
With a background in screenwriting and a habit of writing in bustling public spaces, Tromly crafts narratives that pulse with cinematic energy. Her journey from a PhD candidate to a celebrated YA author is as dynamic as her characters, making her a unique voice in the literary world.
The Making of Stephanie Tromly
Stephanie Tromly’s story begins in Manila, Philippines, where she was born, before her family moved to Hong Kong, shaping her global perspective. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, she dove into screenwriting in Los Angeles, honing her knack for sharp dialogue and kinetic pacing. Life took her to Toronto for a PhD in English Literature, but the birth of her son sparked a pivot to novel-writing. Writing in crowded spots like Hong Kong’s McDonald’s, Tromly found inspiration in chaos, channeling it into her debut novel.
Her screenwriting roots and love for action films infuse her work with a distinctive rhythm. Tromly’s not one for quiet desks—she thrives in the hum of public spaces, painting her nails red to signal a creative hot streak. This vibrant energy defines her path from aspiring academic to YA sensation.
Stephanie Tromly’s Unforgettable Stories
Tromly’s Trouble trilogy—Trouble Is a Friend of Mine (2015), Trouble Makes a Comeback (2016), and Trouble Never Sleeps (2018)—is a masterclass in blending mystery, romance, and humor. The series follows Zoe Webster, a sarcastic high schooler, and Philip Digby, a quirky, Sherlock-esque teen obsessed with solving his sister’s kidnapping. Their adventures, packed with over-the-top schemes and heartfelt moments, earned comparisons to Veronica Mars and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Trouble Is a Friend of Mine introduces Zoe and Digby’s chaotic chemistry as they unravel a local girl’s disappearance, tangled with a cult and Digby’s past. The sequel, Trouble Makes a Comeback, amps up the stakes with high school drama and a new lead on Digby’s sister. Trouble Never Sleeps wraps the trilogy with a thrilling, romantic finale, balancing treasonous capers with authentic teen struggles. Tromly’s style—quippy dialogue, cinematic pacing, and oddball character dynamics—makes each book a page-turner.
Her ability to weave slapstick humor with dark themes like loss and identity sets her apart. Critics praised her debut as a Publishers Weekly Best Book, and the trilogy’s first installment won the 2016 Crime Writers of Canada Award for Best Juvenile or YA Crime Book. Tromly’s stories resonate with readers craving smart, funny tales that don’t shy away from life’s messiness.
Why Stephanie Tromly Matters
Stephanie Tromly’s impact lies in her ability to make YA literature feel fresh and fearless. Her Trouble trilogy redefined teen mysteries by blending noir sensibilities with relatable high school woes—think social media shaming and love triangles alongside government conspiracies. Her diverse background as a Filipino author enriches her storytelling, offering a global lens on universal themes of friendship and resilience.
Tromly’s influence extends to inspiring readers and writers to embrace their quirks. Her characters, flawed yet fiercely loyal, remind us that heroism can look like a snarky teen with a wild plan. As a PW Flying Start author, she’s left a mark on YA fiction, proving that stories about messy teens can be both wildly entertaining and deeply meaningful.
- Born: Manila, Philippines
- Key Works: Trouble Is a Friend of Mine, Trouble Makes a Comeback, Trouble Never Sleeps
- Awards: 2016 Crime Writers of Canada Award for Best Juvenile or YA Crime Book
- Fun Fact: She once rescued a manuscript from a triad brawl in a Hong Kong McDonald’s!
Snag Trouble Is a Friend of Mine and dive into Stephanie Tromly’s whip-smart, laugh-out-loud world of teen sleuths and epic capers!