Picture a British storyteller who turned personal triumphs and tragedies into gripping tales of mystery and emotion—meet Susan Lewis! Born in 1956 in Bristol, UK, this internationally bestselling author has penned over fifty novels, weaving family drama, suspense, and crime into stories that keep readers up all night. From her early days in television to her globe-trotting adventures, Lewis’s life is as captivating as her books.
With her Detective Andee Lawrence series and heartfelt memoirs, Lewis has carved a unique space in contemporary fiction. Her ability to blend thrilling plots with deep emotional resonance has earned her a loyal following. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the journey of this master storyteller.
The Making of Susan Lewis
Susan Lewis grew up in a close-knit Bristol family, shaped by her Welsh miner father—a poet and thinker—and her ambitious mother, one of thirteen siblings. Tragedy struck early when Lewis lost her mother to cancer at nine, a loss that profoundly influenced her writing’s emotional depth. Educated at The Red Maids’ School, she rebelled against boarding school life, orchestrating her own expulsion to return home. Her early career took her from secretarial work at HTV in Bristol to Thames Television in London, where a bold question to a controller—'What does it take to succeed?'—sparked her writing journey. His advice? 'Go write something.' And so, in 1988, her debut novel, A Class Apart, was born.
Susan Lewis’s Unforgettable Stories
Lewis’s novels are a masterclass in blending heart-pounding suspense with raw human emotion. Her Detective Andee Lawrence series, starting with Behind Closed Doors (2014), follows the tenacious Andee as she unravels cases like a missing teenager’s disappearance, all while navigating personal turmoil. Fans love the series for its tight plotting and relatable characters. Another gem, No Child of Mine (2012), kicks off a trilogy exploring adoption and family secrets, showcasing Lewis’s knack for tackling tough topics with sensitivity.
I Have Something to Tell You (2021) is a standout, featuring lawyer Jessica Wells caught in a web of murder and betrayal, praised for its thought-provoking twists. Lewis’s memoirs, Just One More Day (2006) and One Day at a Time (2011), offer a poignant look at her 1960s childhood, blending humor and heartbreak. Her style—accessible yet layered—draws comparisons to Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain, with themes of love, loss, and redemption running through her work.
Whether set in London, the South of France, or fictional Kesterly-on-Sea, Lewis’s stories feel vivid and lived-in. Her time living in Los Angeles, France, and now Gloucestershire infuses her settings with authenticity, making each novel a journey for readers.
Why Susan Lewis Matters
Susan Lewis’s impact lies in her ability to make readers feel seen. Her novels tackle universal struggles—grief, family ties, and second chances—while keeping the stakes thrillingly high. Nominated for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Romantic Novel of the Year in 2002 and 2005, she’s a staple in contemporary fiction. Her stories resonate globally, with translations and adaptations for television, cementing her as a storyteller who bridges hearts and cultures.
Beyond her books, Lewis’s journey from television to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers. Her resilience, shaped by personal loss and bold career leaps, mirrors the strength of her characters, making her a beacon for those chasing dreams against the odds.
About Susan Lewis
- Born: August 10, 1956, in Bristol, UK
- Key Works: Behind Closed Doors, No Child of Mine, I Have Something to Tell You, Just One More Day
- Genres: Family drama, thriller, suspense, crime
- Fun Fact: She once rubbed elbows with George Clooney and Nicolas Cage during her Hollywood days!
Snag I Have Something to Tell You or dive into the Detective Andee Lawrence series for a dose of Susan Lewis’s thrilling, heartfelt storytelling. Trust us, you won’t put it down!