Picture a small-town Washington storyteller who spun suspenseful romances that keep you up all night—meet Sue Fineman! A late-blooming novelist, she began writing in her fifties, crafting over forty books filled with thrilling plots and heartfelt relationships. With a knack for creating relatable characters, Fineman’s stories prove it’s never too late to chase your literary dreams.
Born and raised in Washington State, Fineman’s diverse life experiences across multiple states fueled her vivid storytelling. Her novels, blending romantic suspense, women’s fiction, and light paranormal romance, captivate readers with their intricate plots and emotional depth. Let’s dive into the world of this prolific author whose characters linger long after the final page.
The Making of Sue Fineman
Sue Fineman grew up in a small Washington town, later calling herself a 'grumpy old lady' with a sharp wit. Married for over forty years, she raised three children and doted on her grandson, grandpuppies, and grandkittens. Her varied career—secretary, technical writer, real estate agent, and foster mother—spanned states like Ohio, Arizona, and Puerto Rico. This rich tapestry of experiences shaped her ability to craft authentic, relatable characters. In her mid-fifties, with her husband 'driving her crazy,' Fineman turned to writing, channeling her love for reading into creating stories that blend suspense and romance.
Sue Fineman’s Unforgettable Stories
Fineman’s bibliography boasts 42 books, including eight series like the Donatelli and Martinson Ranch. Her writing style is character-driven, with plots that twist unexpectedly. She famously didn’t outline, instead letting her characters 'lead the way,' resulting in unique yet familiar protagonists readers root for. Her novels, often compared to a Spencer and Hepburn film, combine damsels in distress with warmhearted heroes.
Key works include The Mitchell Money (2011), the Martinson Ranch opener, where a blue-collar family navigates love and danger. Queenie’s Cafe (2014) weaves romance and suspense around Laura’s transformative journey. Katarina (Ghosts of River Oaks series) adds paranormal flair, following a psychic heroine entangled in murder and love. On the Lam (Gregory Series) features Callie, a strong heroine escaping abuse, paired with a caring Iraq war vet. These stories grip readers with suspense, humor, and heartfelt romance.
Fineman’s strength lies in her ability to craft 'real' characters—not flawless, but deeply human. Her themes of love, loyalty, and family resonate, offering happily-ever-after endings that feel earned. Her light paranormal elements, like psychic gifts or ghosts, add intrigue without overshadowing the emotional core.
Why Sue Fineman Matters
Sue Fineman’s impact lies in her accessibility and authenticity. Her stories, rooted in small-town America, speak to readers craving relatable heroes and intricate plots. Starting her career later in life, she inspires aspiring writers, showing that passion and persistence can lead to prolific success. Her focus on blue-collar families and resilient women offers a fresh perspective in romantic suspense, earning her a loyal readership. Though not a household name, her 64 Goodreads titles with over 10,000 ratings reflect her quiet but significant influence.
- Key Works: The Mitchell Money, Queenie’s Cafe, Katarina, On the Lam
- Genres: Romantic Suspense, Women’s Fiction, Light Paranormal Romance
- First Book: The Mitchell Money (2011)
- Latest Book: Cash in the Barn (2021)
Snag Queenie’s Cafe and dive into Sue Fineman’s thrilling, heartwarming world of romantic suspense!