Picture a storyteller who weaves Southern charm, vampires, and heart-pounding suspense into unforgettable tales—meet Susannah Sandlin! Writing under this pseudonym, Alabama native Suzanne Johnson has enchanted readers with her paranormal romance and romantic suspense novels, most notably the acclaimed Penton Legacy Series. With a knack for blending supernatural thrills with Deep South settings, Sandlin’s stories have earned her multiple awards and a devoted fanbase.
From her roots in small-town Alabama to her vibrant career in journalism and fiction, Sandlin’s journey is as compelling as her books. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting impact of this versatile author whose tales of love, danger, and the supernatural keep readers hooked.
The Making of Susannah Sandlin
Born in Winfield, Alabama, Suzanne Johnson grew up with a love for gothic novels by Susan Howatch and the chilling tales of Stephen King, influences that later shaped her Susannah Sandlin persona. A 1978 University of Alabama graduate, she built a successful career in journalism and educational publishing, working in Alabama, Illinois, Texas, California, and Louisiana. Her role as editor of Auburn University’s alumni magazine honed her storytelling skills, but her passion for fiction led her to create the Susannah Sandlin pseudonym, inspired by her great-great-grandmother, a pioneer who braved the Alabama wilderness in the 1800s.
After years in New Orleans, where she developed a fascination with Cajun culture and alligators, Sandlin began writing paranormal romance in the early 2010s. Her unique blend of Southern settings, supernatural elements, and suspenseful plots quickly set her apart in the genre.
Susannah Sandlin’s Unforgettable Stories
Sandlin’s most celebrated work is the Penton Legacy Series, a five-book saga set in the fictional town of Penton, Alabama. The series kicks off with Redemption (2012), where vampire Aidan Murphy fights to save his peaceful community from a deadly vaccine that poisons human blood for vampires. Praised for its rich characters and intense romance, the series includes Absolution, Omega, Allegiance, and Illumination, earning nominations like the 2015 RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for worldbuilding.
Beyond Penton, Sandlin’s Storm Force (2013), a spinoff, follows a counter-terrorism team with shapeshifters, blending paranormal thrills with action. Her Collectors Series, including Lovely, Dark, and Deep (2013), which won the 2015 Holt Medallion for Romantic Suspense, dives into treasure-hunting adventures. The Wilds of the Bayou Series, starting with Wild Man’s Curse (2016), trades vampires for murder mysteries in Louisiana’s bayous, showcasing her versatility.
Sandlin’s style is a potent mix of steamy romance, nail-biting suspense, and Southern gothic atmosphere. Her Deep South settings—swamps, small towns, and bayous—feel alive, grounding her supernatural tales in a vivid sense of place. Fans love her ability to craft flawed, relatable characters, from feisty heroines to brooding vampires, all navigating love and danger.
Why Susannah Sandlin Matters
Susannah Sandlin has left a mark on paranormal romance and romantic suspense by infusing the genres with Southern soul. Her Penton Legacy Series, with sales of 50,000–100,000 copies per book, has captivated readers worldwide, proving that small-town Alabama can be a thrilling backdrop for vampire sagas. Her awards, including the 2015 Bestsellers Award for Romantic Suspense, highlight her skill in blending genres seamlessly.
More than her accolades, Sandlin’s legacy lies in her ability to connect with readers through emotionally rich stories. Her work resonates with fans of Charlaine Harris and Jeaniene Frost, offering a fresh take on paranormal romance that celebrates Southern culture. As both a journalist and novelist, she’s a testament to the power of storytelling across mediums.
- Real Name: Suzanne Johnson
- Hometown: Winfield, Alabama
- Key Works: Penton Legacy Series, Storm Force, Lovely, Dark, and Deep
- Awards: 2015 Holt Medallion, 2015 Bestsellers Award for Romantic Suspense
About Susannah Sandlin
Snag Redemption and dive into Susannah Sandlin’s sultry, suspenseful world of paranormal romance! Whether you’re craving vampires or bayou mysteries, her stories promise a thrilling ride.