Celebrating Female Thriller Writers: Meet the Leading Ladies of Mystery

A must-read list of the best female authors in mystery, thriller and crime fiction

We love to be intrigued by mysteries and thrillers at rmrk*st, and the genre is extremely popular amongst book lovers. Since it’s Women’s History Month, we’re bringing you a list of some of our favorite female authors delivering pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat novels in the mystery/thriller realm of storytelling. Looking for a classic whodunit? We got you. Haunted hotels and ghosts? Yep we have that. Crime fiction ranging from medical settings to country clubs? You got it! Take a look at our list, and let us know in the comments which female mystery/thriller authors you’re loving lately! 

1. Jesse Q. Sutanto

Jesse Q. Sutanto burst onto the scene with the runaway bestseller, Dial A For Aunties, and is the author of Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, Well, That Was Unexpected, The Obsession, and Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit. Sutanto’s books are humorous mysteries infused with cultural insight, and her stories draw readers into vibrant worlds filled with unexpected twists and turns. Whether exploring the complexities of family dynamics or unraveling the secrets lurking beneath seemingly ordinary facades, her witty prose and sharp dialogue breathe life into her narratives. You might be seeing adaptations of Sutanto’s books on screen soon, as the film rights to Dial A for Aunties, was bought by Netflix, and the TV rights to Vera Wong was bought by Warner Bros, with Oprah Winfrey and Mindy Kaling attached to produce.

2. Simone St. James

If you're into mysteries that blend with the supernatural, Simone St. James’ books are for you. An award-winning and bestselling author, St. James is a master of blending historical intrigue with spine-tingling suspense in her novels. She is prolific and has a long list of novels under her belt, including The Haunting of Maddy Clare, The Broken Girls, The Sun Down Motel, The Book of Cold Cases, and Murder Road. With a talent for evoking atmospheric settings and crafting complex characters, St. James weaves captivating tales that transport readers to different eras while keeping them on the edge of their seats. Her stories often feature strong heroines navigating mysteries and ghosts from the past, adding layers of depth and emotion to the narrative. With each page-turning novel, St. James delivers thrilling and haunting experiences that linger long after the final chapter.

3. Tess Gerritsen

Internationally bestselling author Tess Gerritsen is a powerhouse in the thriller genre, renowned for her gripping narratives and expertly crafted suspense. Known for her Rizzoli & Isles books (which was turned into a TV series) that expertly blend forensic science with heart-pounding suspense as well as standalone medical thrillers, Gerritsen writes from experience. She began her career as a physician and started writing novels while on maternity leave, giving her storytelling a unique authenticity. Each of her books is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next thrilling tale.

4. Jessica Knoll

If you’re a thriller fan, chances are you’ve read Jessica Knoll’s enormous bestseller Luckiest Girl Alive (or seen the movie adaptation starring Mila Junis). Knoll’s novels, including The Favorite Sister and Bright Young Women, are gripping, thought-provoking explorations of power dynamics, ambition, and the complexities of modern womanhood. With razor-sharp prose and unflinching honesty, Knoll delves into the darker aspects of society, often shining a light on uncomfortable truths. Her characters are flawed yet compelling, navigating treacherous waters where secrets lurk beneath polished surfaces. Whether unraveling the mysteries of high society or peeling back the layers of female ambition, Knoll’s storytelling is both immersive and incisive. Each of her novels is a journey that challenges readers to question societal norms and the masks we wear to hide our true selves.

5. Nita Prose

Nita Prose has proven herself to be a masterful new voice in crime fiction. Prose is the author of The Mystery Guest and The Maid, which was a number one New York Times bestseller with over a million copies sold. The Maid was so heavily praised by every media outlet from NPR to Glamour, a testament to its enormous impact on so many readers. Her novels are classic whodunits for fans who love cozy mysteries, but are infused with emotional depth and delightful narration that is sure to please any kind of reader. We can’t wait to see what she delivers next. 

5. Ashley Flowers

Ashley Flowers is maybe most well-known as the host of the insanely popular true crime podcast “Crime Junkie.” All The Good People Here is her #1 New York Times bestselling debut novel in which she brings a fresh perspective to the mystery genre. Flowers’ talent for storytelling, which fans have come to love from her (several) podcasts, is showcased in the novel. Her insightful exploration of the human psyche captivates readers. In addition, Flowers started a nonprofit called Season of Justice, whose goal is to provide financial assistance to victims, their families, and law enforcement agencies to help solve cold cases.

6. Lucy Foley

Lucy Foley is a British author known for her thrillers The Guest List and The Paris Apartment. The Guest List had the honor of being selected in Reese Witherspoon’s book club in the summer of 2020, and is currently in development with Hulu. Celebrated for her enthralling mysteries, atmospheric storytelling, a keen eye for detail and a gift for building suspense, Foley transports readers to captivating settings. where dark secrets lurk beneath seemingly idyllic facades. She keeps her readers on the edge of their seat while a complex web of motives and lies unravel before them.

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