Picture a Nigerian-born storyteller who weaves psychological thrillers that keep you up all night—meet Tamar Cohen, also known as Tammy Cohen! With a knack for diving into the darker corners of human psychology, this London-based author has captivated readers with her sharp wit, emotionally complex characters, and plots that twist like a rollercoaster. From her journalism roots to her gripping novels, Cohen’s journey is as fascinating as her stories.
Whether she’s writing as Tamar Cohen, Tammy Cohen, or her historical mystery pseudonym Rachel Rhys, her work blends dark humor with suspense, making her a standout in the thriller genre. Ready to explore the world of a writer who’s as intriguing as her books? Let’s dive in!
The Making of Tamar Cohen
Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, where her anthropologist father was conducting fieldwork, Tamar Cohen’s early life was a global adventure. Her childhood whisked her from Sierra Leone to California, with most of her formative years spent in London’s suburbs. This eclectic upbringing shaped her keen observational skills, later evident in her journalism and fiction. After studying American Studies at Manchester University, Cohen taught English in Madrid before launching a 20-year journalism career, writing for heavyweights like The Telegraph, Marie Claire, and The Guardian.
Her pivot to fiction came later in life, sparked by a perfect storm of personal and professional shifts. In 2010, at 46, Cohen penned her debut novel, The Mistress’s Revenge, during a sleepless five-month burst. The book’s success marked her as a bold new voice, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream.
Tamar Cohen’s Unforgettable Stories
Cohen’s novels, whether as Tamar or Tammy, are psychological thrillers and contemporary dramas that probe the fragility of human relationships. Her debut, The Mistress’s Revenge (2011), follows a woman unraveling after a breakup, stalking her ex-lover with dark, witty intensity. As Tammy Cohen, she ventured into crime with Dying for Christmas (2014), a chilling tale of a woman held captive during the holidays, blending suspense with psychological depth.
When She Was Bad (2016) explores workplace dynamics and hidden resentments, showcasing Cohen’s ability to turn everyday settings into hotbeds of tension. Her 2021 novel, The Wedding Party, delves into the chaos of a seemingly perfect celebration, cementing her reputation for crafting plots that unravel with shocking precision. Writing as Rachel Rhys, Cohen’s historical mysteries like Dangerous Crossing (2017) evoke a glamorous yet sinister past, proving her versatility.
Her style is marked by sharp dialogue, flawed yet relatable characters, and a fascination with how ordinary people react under pressure. Critics praise her for blending humor with dread, creating stories that linger long after the final page.
Why Tamar Cohen Matters
Tamar Cohen’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the thriller genre. By focusing on psychological nuance rather than gore, she appeals to readers who crave emotional depth alongside suspense. Her membership in the Killer Women collective, a group of female crime writers, underscores her role in championing women in a male-dominated genre. As Writer in Residence at Kingston University, she inspires aspiring authors, sharing her late-blooming success story.
Her global perspective, drawn from a nomadic childhood, adds a unique layer to her work, resonating with readers in the UK, US, and beyond. Cohen’s novels don’t just entertain—they challenge us to confront the hidden parts of ourselves, making her a vital voice in contemporary fiction.
About Tamar Cohen
- Born: Ibadan, Nigeria
- Key Works: The Mistress’s Revenge, Dying for Christmas, When She Was Bad, The Wedding Party
- Pseudonyms: Tammy Cohen, Rachel Rhys
- Fun Fact: Cohen is part of the Killer Women crime writing collective.
Snag When She Was Bad and dive into Tamar Cohen’s thrilling world of suspense and secrets!