Picture a trumpeter-turned-storyteller who swapped melodies for murder mysteries—meet Susan Fleet! With a career that spans jazz riffs and gritty crime thrillers, this American author has carved a unique niche in contemporary literature. Her Frank Renzi series, steeped in the sultry vibes of New Orleans, blends heart-pounding suspense with a musician’s sense of rhythm, making her a standout voice in crime fiction.
But Susan Fleet is more than just a novelist. A lifelong trumpeter, music historian, and champion of female musicians, she brings a creative spark to everything she does. From true crime exposés to non-fiction celebrating women in music, her work pulses with passion and authenticity. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this multifaceted artist.
The Making of Susan Fleet
Born with a trumpet in hand—well, almost—Susan Fleet started playing at age eight, guided by her uncle. By fifteen, she was a professional, joining the musicians’ union and gigging in her hometown’s concert band. Her love for music led her to study with Boston Symphony greats like Armando Ghitalla, performing everything from Broadway to Baroque. A print journalist father added a storytelling flair, taking her to police stations where she soaked up tales of crime—planting seeds for her future novels.
While teaching at prestigious institutions like Brown University and Berklee College of Music, Susan nurtured her dual passions for music and narrative. At Berklee, she created a course on female musicians, spotlighting overlooked talents. But the pull of fiction was strong, and in 2001, she moved to New Orleans, where the city’s vibrant chaos inspired her to start killing people—fictionally, of course!
Susan Fleet’s Unforgettable Stories
Susan Fleet’s writing is like a jazz solo: bold, unpredictable, and full of soul. Her debut novel, Absolution (2008), introduced Homicide Detective Frank Renzi, a hard-boiled hero navigating New Orleans’ dark underbelly. The story of a priest-turned-serial-killer won the Premier Book Awards for Best Mystery-Suspense-Thriller, setting the tone for a series that now spans twelve books. Each novel, from Diva (2011) to Unsolved (2024), crackles with gritty realism and complex characters.
Beyond fiction, Susan’s true crime series, Dark Deeds, dives into real-life cases of serial killers and domestic homicides, showcasing her knack for chilling detail. Her non-fiction work, Women Who Dared (2011), celebrates trailblazing musicians like Maud Powell and Edna White, reflecting her lifelong mission to uplift women in music. Whether crafting a thriller or a biography, Susan’s prose is sharp, evocative, and deeply human.
The Frank Renzi series, in particular, stands out for its vivid settings—New Orleans and Boston feel like characters themselves—and its focus on psychological depth. In Jackpot (2013), Renzi hunts a serial killer targeting lottery winners, while Payback (2019) delivers a high-stakes revenge plot. Susan’s musical background shapes her pacing, with plots that build like a crescendo to explosive finales.
Why Susan Fleet Matters
Susan Fleet’s impact lies in her ability to bridge worlds—music and literature, fiction and reality. Her crime thrillers don’t just entertain; they pull readers into the minds of detectives, victims, and villains, exploring the human cost of crime. Her advocacy for female musicians has also left a mark, amplifying voices that history often ignored. From lecture halls to bestseller lists, Susan’s work challenges gender biases and celebrates resilience.
Her readers adore her for her relentless energy—she still plays her trumpet daily—and her knack for crafting stories that linger. In an era of formulaic thrillers, Susan’s blend of authenticity and artistry feels fresh. She’s proof that a creative life can evolve, from symphony stages to the pages of a gripping novel.
- Key Works: Absolution, Dark Deeds, Women Who Dared
- Awards: Premier Book Awards (2009), Feathered Quill Book Awards (2014)
- Fun Fact: She survived Hurricane Katrina before returning to Boston in 2010.
About Susan Fleet
Snag Absolution and dive into Susan Fleet’s thrilling world of crime and cadence! Whether you’re a mystery buff or a music lover, her stories will keep you hooked.