Picture an American storyteller who weaves mysteries and adventures with a dash of French flair—meet Susan Kiernan-Lewis! A USA Today bestselling author, she’s captivated readers with her thrilling cozy mysteries and post-apocalyptic tales, drawing from a life shaped by constant moves and a love for travel, horses, and cooking. Her stories, often starring bold female protagonists, whisk you from quaint French villages to dystopian landscapes, making every page a journey.
With a knack for blending suspense and heart, Susan’s novels reflect her unique experiences as a military dependent, always adapting to new places. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and stories of this dynamic writer!
The Making of Susan Kiernan-Lewis
Born in Patrick, United States, Susan Kiernan-Lewis grew up in a military family, relocating to 40 different places throughout her life. This nomadic childhood fueled her fascination with adapting to unfamiliar settings, a theme central to her storytelling. Before becoming a novelist, Susan wore many hats: advertising copywriter, playwright, video editor, and even an intellectual equestrienne (loving horses more in spirit than in the saddle these days). Her diverse career began in advertising, crafting commercials from Atlanta to Auckland, sharpening her knack for compelling narratives.
Her writing career kicked off in 2001 with Murder on the Côte d’Azur, later retitled Murder in the South of France. Inspired by her passions for France and travel, Susan found her calling in creating stories that drop everyday women into extraordinary circumstances, blending grit with charm.
Susan Kiernan-Lewis’s Unforgettable Stories
Susan’s bibliography is a treasure trove of cozy mysteries, dystopian thrillers, and romantic suspense, with her Maggie Newberry Mysteries leading the charge. This beloved series follows Maggie, a whip-smart American advertising copywriter, as she navigates murders and romance in the charming yet deadly French village of St-Buvard. Books like Murder in the South of France and Murder in Provence showcase Susan’s knack for vivid settings and twisty plots, earning rave reviews for keeping readers guessing.
Her post-apocalyptic series, The Irish End Games, starting with Free Falling, is a gripping tale of survival. It follows Sarah Woodson, a mother braving a treacherous journey across Ireland to protect her son after a global collapse. Susan’s ability to craft resilient, relatable heroines shines here, blending heart-pounding action with emotional depth. Other series, like the Claire Baskerville Mysteries and Mia Kazmaroff Mysteries, explore Paris and paranormal twists, respectively, showcasing her versatility.
Her style is clean yet thrilling—no graphic violence or explicit content—but packed with suspense and rich characters. Susan’s love for cultural nuances, from French bistros to Irish landscapes, infuses her work with authenticity, making each story feel like a mini-vacation with a side of danger.
Why Susan Kiernan-Lewis Matters
Susan Kiernan-Lewis has carved a niche in cozy mysteries and dystopian fiction, resonating with readers who crave strong female leads and immersive settings. Her stories empower women to face challenges, reflecting her belief in the strength found in adversity. Fans praise her for creating characters who feel like friends, with the Maggie Newberry series sparking a devoted following eager for each new installment.
Her impact extends beyond books. By weaving her passions into her narratives, Susan inspires aspiring writers to draw from their own lives, proving that personal experiences can fuel universal stories. Her work, available on platforms like Amazon and Smashwords, continues to thrill and comfort readers worldwide.
- Birthplace: Patrick, United States
- Key Works: Maggie Newberry Mysteries, The Irish End Games, Claire Baskerville Mysteries
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Dystopian Thriller, Romantic Suspense
- First Novel: Murder on the Côte d’Azur (2001)
Ready to get lost in a French village or survive an apocalypse? Grab Murder in the South of France or Free Falling and dive into Susan Kiernan-Lewis’s thrilling world of mystery and adventure!