Picture a storyteller who weaves heart-pounding thrillers from the misty hills of Central New York—meet Susan Alice Bickford! This American author burst onto the mystery scene with her electrifying debut, A Short Time to Die, in 2017, captivating readers with taut plots and fierce female protagonists. A former tech executive turned full-time writer, Bickford blends her love for high-stakes suspense with a knack for vivid, rural settings.
Her stories aren’t just page-turners; they’re journeys into the dark corners of small-town secrets and human resilience. With a growing fanbase and critical acclaim, Bickford is a name to watch in the thriller world. Let’s dive into her fascinating life and unforgettable works!
The Making of Susan Alice Bickford
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Susan Alice Bickford grew up in Central New York, where the rolling landscapes and tight-knit communities shaped her storytelling. Her early love for literature and creativity set the stage for her future as a writer. But before picking up the pen, Bickford chased her passion for technology, moving to Silicon Valley to become an executive at a leading tech company. This high-tech world, buzzing with innovation, honed her sharp, analytical mind—skills she later channeled into crafting intricate plots.
After years in the corporate sphere, Bickford traded boardrooms for books, becoming a full-time author. Her tech background and rural roots gave her a unique lens, blending precision with atmospheric storytelling. As the 2020 President of the Sisters in Crime Northern California Chapter, she also championed fellow mystery writers, solidifying her place in the literary community.
Susan Alice Bickford’s Unforgettable Stories
Bickford’s thrillers are like a foggy night in the Finger Lakes—chilling, immersive, and impossible to look away from. Her debut, A Short Time to Die (2017), introduces Marly Shaw, a young woman on the run after a violent encounter with her stepfather. When human bones are found in California years later, detectives uncover a web of secrets in a small New York town. Nominated for the 2018 Left Coast Crime Best Debut Novel, this fast-paced tale of revenge and survival hooked readers and critics alike.
Her second novel, Dread of Winter (2019), dives into the opioid crisis in rural Oriska, New York. Sydney Lucerno returns to her hometown to face family secrets and protect her half-sister from predators. Nominated for an Edgar Award, this gripping story showcases Bickford’s knack for blending social issues with suspense. Her short stories, featured in anthologies like Fish Out of Water and Fishy Business, further highlight her versatility, delivering bite-sized mysteries with big impact.
Bickford’s style is defined by strong female leads, atmospheric settings, and plots that twist like a country road. Her rural New York and New England backdrops feel alive, almost like characters themselves, while her themes of resilience and justice resonate deeply. Fans of Lisa Gardner or Karin Slaughter will find Bickford’s work right up their alley.
Why Susan Alice Bickford Matters
Susan Alice Bickford’s rise in the thriller genre is no fluke. Her ability to craft stories that are both heart-pounding and heartfelt has earned her a loyal readership and nods from prestigious awards like the Edgar and Left Coast Crime. By centering resourceful women and tackling issues like family dysfunction and addiction, she brings fresh depth to the suspense genre. Her tech-to-thriller career pivot also inspires aspiring writers, proving it’s never too late to chase a creative dream.
Bickford’s influence extends beyond her books. As a leader in Sisters in Crime, she fosters a supportive community for mystery authors, amplifying new voices. Her stories, rooted in the stark beauty of rural America, remind us that even the quietest towns hide the loudest secrets.
- Born: Boston, Massachusetts
- Key Works: A Short Time to Die (2017), Dread of Winter (2019)
- Awards: Nominated for 2018 Left Coast Crime Best Debut Novel, 2020 Edgar Award
- Fun Fact: She splits her time between Silicon Valley and Vermont!
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag A Short Time to Die and dive into Susan Alice Bickford’s world of suspense!