Picture an American storyteller who turned a chance encounter with an Agatha Christie novel into a thrilling career—meet Susan Dunlap! Born in 1943, this mystery novelist crafted unforgettable sleuths like Jill Smith, weaving tales that keep readers guessing. From social worker to celebrated author, Dunlap’s journey is as captivating as her crime-filled plots.
The Making of Susan Dunlap
Susan Dunlap was born on June 20, 1943, in Kew Gardens, Queens, New York. Initially a math major at Bucknell University, she switched paths after struggling, earning a B.A. in 1965 and a Master’s in Teaching from the University of North Carolina in 1966. Before writing, Dunlap worked as a social worker in Baltimore, New York City, and California, experiences that grounded her stories in real-world grit. In 1970, newly married to Newell Dunlap, she read an Agatha Christie novel and boldly told her husband, 'I could do that.' His encouraging 'Go ahead' sparked a writing journey that took years of persistence to bear fruit.
Susan Dunlap’s Unforgettable Stories
Dunlap’s debut novel, Karma (1981), introduced Jill Smith, a brash Berkeley cop whose distrust of authority and sharp wit defined the ten-book series. The series, including titles like Sudden Exposure (1996), captures Berkeley’s quirky charm, from nude protests to eccentric city council meetings. Her Vejay Haskell series, starting with An Equal Opportunity Death (1984), follows a meter reader turned amateur sleuth in rural California, blending humor and suspense. The Kiernan O’Shaughnessy mysteries, like Pious Deception (1989), feature a former forensic pathologist turned PI, diving into gritty forensics. Dunlap’s Darcy Lott series, beginning with A Single Eye (2006), explores Zen-inspired mysteries through a stuntwoman’s lens, showcasing her knack for diverse protagonists.
Her writing style is marked by vivid settings, feminist undertones, and a knack for blending humor with dark themes. Dunlap’s heroines—independent, flawed, and resourceful—reflect her own resilience, drawing readers into intricate plots that mirror Northern California’s eclectic vibe.
Why Susan Dunlap Matters
Susan Dunlap’s impact on crime fiction lies in her pioneering female detectives, who debuted before many contemporaries like Sue Grafton. As a founding member and former president of Sisters in Crime (1990–91), she championed women in the genre, fostering a supportive community. Her short story 'Checkout' won Macavity and Anthony Awards in 1994, cementing her storytelling prowess. Dunlap’s ability to weave Berkeley’s free-spirited culture into her mysteries made her a 'Bard of Berkeley,' inspiring readers and writers to embrace local color in crime fiction.
- Born: June 20, 1943, Kew Gardens, New York
- Key Works: Karma, An Equal Opportunity Death, A Single Eye
- Awards: Macavity and Anthony Awards for 'Checkout' (1994)
- Fun Fact: Dunlap taught yoga and worked as a paralegal before writing full-time.
Ready to unravel a mystery? Snag Karma and dive into Susan Dunlap’s thrilling world of crime and wit!