Picture a Canadian-Australian storyteller who spins gripping mysteries and champions child rights across the globe—meet Tara Moss! Born in 1973, this bestselling author, journalist, and UNICEF ambassador has penned 14 books, from chilling crime novels to empowering non-fiction, published in 19 countries. Her life is a vibrant tapestry of storytelling and advocacy, proving one voice can echo far and wide.
With a knack for crafting page-turners and a heart dedicated to social justice, Moss blends her love for mystery with a fierce commitment to women’s and children’s rights. Whether she’s diving into the psyche of a detective or speaking at the United Nations, her work captivates and inspires. Let’s explore the journey of this remarkable woman who’s as thrilling in real life as her novels.
The Making of Tara Moss
Tara Rae Moss was born on October 2, 1973, in Victoria, British Columbia, where she grew up surrounded by the lush landscapes of Canada’s west coast. Losing her mother to multiple myeloma at 17 profoundly shaped her resilience and worldview. Moss dabbled in modeling at 14 but quickly realized her true passion lay in storytelling. By her early twenties, she published her debut novel, Fetish (1999), launching a career that would blend gritty crime fiction with supernatural flair. Her diverse experiences—touring the FBI Academy, earning a private investigator license, and even handling snakes—infuse her work with authenticity and daring.
Tara Moss’s Unforgettable Stories
Moss’s bibliography is a treasure trove of mystery and intrigue, spanning three distinct series and non-fiction. Her Makedde Vanderwall series, starting with Fetish, follows a forensic psychology student turned sleuth, blending psychological depth with pulse-pounding suspense. The Pandora English series, beginning with The Blood Countess (2010), dives into supernatural Manhattan, where a young writer uncovers her magical destiny. Most recently, her Billie Walker novels, like The War Widow (2019) and The Ghosts of Paris (2022), transport readers to post-WWII Australia, featuring a feminist private investigator navigating a noir-inspired world.
Her writing style is cinematic, weaving vivid imagery with sharp dialogue and strong female protagonists. Moss’s non-fiction, including the bestselling memoir The Fictional Woman (2014) and Speaking Out, tackles sexism, disability, and empowerment with unflinching honesty. Her meticulous research—think morgue visits and polygraph tests—grounds her stories in reality, making every twist feel plausible. Whether exploring crime or the supernatural, Moss’s themes of resilience and justice resonate deeply.
Why Tara Moss Matters
Tara Moss’s impact transcends the page. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2007 and National Ambassador for Child Survival since 2013, she’s advocated for vulnerable children worldwide, visiting Syrian refugee camps and Australian hospitals. Her 2014 blog, Manus Island: An Insider’s Report, exposed human rights abuses, earning her an Outstanding Advocacy Award. Moss’s personal battle with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), which she overcame in 2023, fuels her disability advocacy, inspiring countless fans through her blog and social media, Tara and Wolfie.
Her feminist lens and commitment to diverse voices have reshaped crime and mystery genres, challenging stereotypes and amplifying marginalized stories. Awards like the Edna Ryan Award (2015) and her inclusion in the Global Top 50 Diversity Figures (2018) underscore her influence. Moss’s legacy is one of courage, creativity, and compassion, urging readers to question, empathize, and act.
About Tara Moss
- Born: October 2, 1973, Victoria, British Columbia
- Key Works: Fetish, The War Widow, The Fictional Woman
- Awards: Edna Ryan Award (2015), Outstanding Advocacy Award (2014)
- Fun Fact: She’s a certified holistic practitioner and funeral celebrant!
Snag The War Widow and dive into Tara Moss’s thrilling world of mystery and empowerment!