Picture a cozy home office in rural Michigan, where a self-proclaimed introvert spins clever mysteries in her pajamas—meet Susan Hunter! This American mystery novelist has hooked readers with her Leah Nash series, blending sharp-witted dialogue, unexpected twists, and fierce female leads. From her journalism roots to indie publishing success, Hunter’s journey is as gripping as her plots.
The Making of Susan Hunter
Susan Hunter’s love for storytelling sprouted early, though she keeps her pre-writing life under wraps, preferring her novels to take center stage. A former award-winning journalist, she earned accolades for investigative reporting before editing a small daily newspaper. Later, she traded newsrooms for academia, working in university publications and teaching English composition. But the call to craft fiction was too strong, pulling her toward the solitary, pajama-friendly world of novel-writing.
Her shift to fiction wasn’t just a career pivot—it was a rebellion against traditional publishing’s gatekeepers. Frustrated by the industry’s constraints, Hunter embraced indie publishing, finding freedom to tell the stories she wanted. This bold move shaped her career, letting her connect directly with readers who crave smart, suspenseful mysteries.
Susan Hunter’s Unforgettable Stories
Hunter’s Leah Nash Mysteries series is her crowning achievement, starring a quick-witted journalist who dives headfirst into small-town scandals. The series kicks off with Dangerous Habits (2014), where Leah investigates a nun’s drowning and uncovers a shocking scandal tied to her sister’s death. Fans rave about its “twisty, suspenseful storyline” and Leah’s fearless sleuthing.
Other standouts include Dangerous Mistakes (2015), a fast-paced tale of murder and betrayal, and Dangerous Flaws (2018), where Leah grapples with her ex-husband’s possible guilt in a professor’s killing. Hunter’s style is crisp and engaging, weaving complex plots with strong female characters and small-town charm. Her mysteries often start with a murder victim, unraveling secrets through Leah’s sharp instincts and relentless curiosity.
Beyond Leah Nash, Hunter’s versatility shines in her ability to craft suspense that keeps readers guessing. Her introverted nature fuels her writing process—brainstorming with sticky notes and paper-strewn desks—resulting in stories that feel both intimate and thrilling. Each book is a testament to her knack for blending clever dialogue with heart-pounding stakes.
Why Susan Hunter Matters
Susan Hunter’s impact lies in her ability to craft relatable, resilient heroines who resonate with readers. Leah Nash, with her sharp tongue and dogged determination, reflects Hunter’s own tenacity as an indie author navigating a cutthroat industry. Her success proves that authentic storytelling can thrive outside traditional publishing, inspiring aspiring writers to take risks and trust their voices.
Hunter’s mysteries also capture the pulse of small-town life, exposing hidden secrets with a keen eye for human nature. Her growing fanbase—evident in glowing reviews and calls for more Leah Nash adventures—shows her knack for delivering entertainment that’s both escapist and thought-provoking. In an era of fleeting attention spans, Hunter’s ability to keep readers hooked is no small feat.
- Key Works: Leah Nash Mysteries (12 books, including Dangerous Habits, Dangerous Flaws)
- Awards: First-place recognition for investigative journalism
- Fun Fact: Lives with her extroverted husband, Gary, in rural Michigan
Ready to unravel a mystery? Snag Dangerous Habits and dive into Susan Hunter’s thrilling world of suspense!