Picture an English storyteller who weaves secrets and suspense into page-turning tales—meet Sue Fortin! A USA Today bestselling author, Fortin has captivated readers with her psychological thrillers and women’s fiction, blending family drama with heart-pounding twists. From her breakout hit The Girl Who Lied to her dual-timeline historical novels as Suzanne Fortin, she’s a master of keeping you guessing.
Born in Hertfordshire, Fortin’s nomadic childhood and love for storytelling set the stage for a remarkable career. With over a million books sold, her gripping narratives explore the complexities of human relationships, making her a beloved voice in contemporary fiction. Ready to dive into her world of secrets and suspense?
The Making of Sue Fortin
Sue Fortin’s journey to bestseller status began in Hertfordshire, where her family’s frequent moves sparked a love for stories as a way to connect with new places. Settling in West Sussex, she nurtured her passion for reading, dreaming of writing her own novels. A self-confessed bookworm, Fortin’s creative spark ignited fully during maternity leave with her fourth child, when she decided it was “now or never” to pen her first book. Her debut, United States of Love, was self-published in 2012, catching the eye of HarperCollins, who republished it under their HarperImpulse imprint.
Joining the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme gave Fortin the confidence to refine her craft. Her early work blended romance with suspense, laying the groundwork for her signature style. Balancing family life with four children, she carved out time to write, fueled by her love for cake, dragonflies, and the stunning landscapes of West Sussex’s coast and South Downs.
Sue Fortin’s Unforgettable Stories
Fortin’s novels are a thrilling mix of psychological suspense and women’s fiction, often centered on family secrets and emotional depth. Her breakout, The Girl Who Lied (2016), hit #1 on the Amazon UK Kindle chart, following Erin, whose hidden past threatens her family as a childhood friend uncovers dangerous secrets. The novel’s twists and emotional stakes showcase Fortin’s knack for blending suspense with relatable characters.
Sister Sister (2017) delves into the paranoia and jealousy of Claire, who reunites with her long-lost sister Alice, only to question her motives. Readers praise its gripping pace and psychological complexity. As Suzanne Fortin, she explores dual-timeline historical fiction, with titles like The Forgotten Life of Arthur Pettinger (2021) and The Dance Teacher of Paris (2023), set against the evocative backdrop of France, a region she adores and visits often.
Fortin’s style is defined by strong, courageous heroines facing extraordinary circumstances. Her plots weave romance, mystery, and suspense, with themes of trust and betrayal that resonate deeply. Her latest, Your Little Lies (2024), continues her tradition of domestic thrillers, earning rave reviews for its small-town intrigue.
Why Sue Fortin Matters
Sue Fortin’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that feel both thrilling and deeply human. Her novels resonate with readers who crave suspense with heart, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim, including an INDIE Brag Medallion and a Romantic Novelists’ Association award. By transitioning from self-publishing to international bestseller status, she inspires aspiring authors to persevere.
Her dual-identity writing as Suzanne Fortin broadens her reach, bringing historical fiction to life with the same emotional intensity as her thrillers. Fortin’s stories remind us that even in the face of secrets and lies, love and family endure, making her a standout in women’s fiction and suspense.
- Born: Hertfordshire, England
- Key Works: The Girl Who Lied, Sister Sister, The Dance Teacher of Paris
- Awards: INDIE Brag Medallion, RNA Award (2024)
- Fun Fact: A Francophile, she owns a home in France’s Morbihan region.
Snag The Girl Who Lied and dive into Sue Fortin’s thrilling world of secrets and suspense!