Picture an American storyteller who spins mysteries as juicy as a ripe peach—meet Susan Furlong! Born in 1967 in Battle Creek, Michigan, this acclaimed mystery novelist has captivated readers with her Georgia Peach and Bone Gap Travellers series. From teaching high school languages to crafting suspenseful tales, Furlong’s journey is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and a knack for turning small-town secrets into page-turners.
With a light yet gripping style, Furlong blends cozy charm with gritty suspense, often setting her stories in the heart of her adopted home, Illinois, or the vibrant South. Her ability to weave cultural nuances and complex characters into her mysteries has earned her a loyal following and critical praise, including a spot on the New York Times Best Crime Novels list.
The Making of Susan Furlong
Raised in North Dakota, Susan Furlong’s early life was shaped by long winters spent devouring mysteries at her local library. A graduate of Montana State University with degrees in Spanish and French, she initially pursued a career as a high school language teacher. Life took her across the U.S., eventually settling in Central Illinois with her husband and four children. Freelance writing, including translating pamphlets and contributing to travel blogs, paved the way for her fiction debut. After years of academic and ghostwriting gigs, Furlong took a leap into mystery novels, driven by a passion for storytelling and a knack for suspense.
Susan Furlong’s Unforgettable Stories
Furlong’s Georgia Peach Mystery series is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and Southern charm. In Peaches and Scream (2015), Nola Mae Harper returns to Cays Mill, Georgia, to save her family’s struggling peach farm, only to stumble upon a murder that threatens her homecoming. Sequels Rest in Peach (2016) and War and Peach (2017) deepen the small-town drama with clever plotting and recipes that add a tasty twist.
For a darker, more suspenseful ride, the Bone Gap Travellers series introduces Brynn Callahan, a former Marine MP with PTSD, and her cadaver dog, Wilco. Splintered Silence (2017) sets the stage in Bone Gap, Tennessee, where Brynn navigates tensions between Irish Travellers and locals while solving a murder. Fractured Truth (2018) and Shattered Justice (2019), the latter a New York Times Best Crime Novel of the Year, elevate the stakes with gritty themes and emotional depth. Furlong’s research into the Irish Traveller community, sparked by a personal encounter, adds authenticity and cultural richness to the series.
Furlong’s standalone novel, What They Don’t Know (2022), showcases her versatility, delivering psychological suspense through Mona Ellison’s quest to prove her son’s innocence in a murder case. Her writing, often penned late at night to balance family life, balances vivid settings, relatable characters, and unexpected twists, making her a standout in both cozy and suspense genres.
Why Susan Furlong Matters
Susan Furlong’s impact lies in her ability to humanize marginalized communities, like the Irish Travellers, while crafting mysteries that resonate with universal themes of redemption and justice. Her transition from cozy to suspense mirrors her growth as a writer unafraid to tackle complex narratives. For aspiring authors, her story of overcoming rejections and juggling family responsibilities is a beacon of inspiration. Fans cherish her for delivering heart-pounding stories with a touch of heart and humor.
- Born: 1967, Battle Creek, Michigan
- Key Works: Georgia Peach series, Bone Gap Travellers series, What They Don’t Know
- Notable Award: Shattered Justice, New York Times Best Crime Novel of the Year
- Fun Fact: Furlong once worked as a martial arts instructor!
Snag Peaches and Scream or Splintered Silence and dive into Susan Furlong’s thrilling world of mystery and heart!