Picture a British storyteller who spins gripping tales of human connection and dark secrets—meet Susanna Beard! This mystery fiction novelist burst onto the scene in 2017 with her debut, What Happened That Night, and hasn’t looked back since. With a knack for unraveling the psychology of relationships and an adventurous spirit that’s taken her from swimming with whale sharks to tumbling down a crevasse, Beard crafts psychological thrillers that keep readers on edge.
Based in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Beard’s stories are fueled by her love of people-watching and her fascination with how small moments can spark big consequences. Her novels, published by Joffe Books, blend suspense with emotional depth, earning praise from readers and authors alike. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and stories of this captivating writer.
The Making of Susanna Beard
Susanna Beard’s journey to becoming a novelist is as colorful as her stories. With a long career in public relations, she honed her writing skills crafting everything from speeches to wine promotions. But her heart was always set on fiction. At seventeen, she told her father she wanted to write a novel, only to be told it was too tough. That challenge stuck with her, and after a six-month course at the Faber Academy, she proved him wrong with her 2017 debut. Living in Marlow with her two dogs, Cookie and Tipsy, Beard draws inspiration from her surroundings, her love of nature, and her adventurous escapades—like trekking in Nepal or exploring Brighton’s sewers.
Susanna Beard’s Unforgettable Stories
Beard’s novels are psychological thrillers that dig into the complexities of human nature. Her debut, What Happened That Night (2017), follows a woman grappling with trauma and memory loss after a violent attack, exploring themes of restorative justice with a slow-burn suspense that hooked readers. The Perfect Neighbour (2021) dives into the unsettling dynamics of a seemingly idyllic community, where Beth’s suspicions about a friend spiral into isolation. In The Perfect Life (2022), Beard examines how a lottery win unravels a family’s bonds, with a kidnapping plot that keeps pages turning. Her latest, The Wonder Drug (2023), follows Michelle, who uncovers a dangerous secret in Iceland’s pharmaceutical world, blending high-stakes drama with global intrigue.
Known for her taut, character-driven narratives, Beard’s style leans on dark, contemplative twists that echo Nordic noir. She’s fascinated by how greed, guilt, and seemingly trivial events shape lives, and her stories often feature ordinary people facing extraordinary moral dilemmas. Critics like Tracy Buchanan praise her for crafting “electrifying” conclusions, while readers love her ability to weave emotional depth into gripping plots.
Why Susanna Beard Matters
Susanna Beard’s impact lies in her ability to make the personal feel universal. Her exploration of trauma, trust, and human connection resonates with readers who crave thrillers with heart. By focusing on psychological depth over cheap shocks, she’s carved a niche in the genre, appealing to fans of Gillian Flynn and B.A. Paris. Her active presence at literary festivals, radio interviews, and book clubs has built a loyal following, while her adventurous spirit adds a relatable charm that shines through her storytelling. Beard’s work reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there’s hope for redemption and understanding.
- Key Works: What Happened That Night (2017), The Perfect Neighbour (2021), The Perfect Life (2022), The Wonder Drug (2023)
- Passions: Dogs, tennis, wildlife, and adventure
- Hometown: Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Snag The Perfect Neighbour and dive into Susanna Beard’s thrilling world of secrets and suspense!