Laura Lippman: Master of Modern Detective Fiction
- Janeth
- May 18
- 2 min read
Updated: May 23
If Nancy Drew were a real woman today, she’d probably be curled up with a Laura Lippman novel—because Lippman writes the kind of smart, suspenseful stories that keep you guessing until the very last page.
From Newsrooms to Novels
Laura Lippman didn’t start out writing fiction. Born in Atlanta and raised in Columbia, Maryland, she grew up in a home where stories were part of everyday life—her father was a journalist, and her mother a librarian. That literary upbringing clearly left a mark.
After high school, she studied journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School, one of the top programs in the country. She then spent 20 years as a reporter, including a long run at the Baltimore Sun. But in 2001, she made the leap from journalist to full-time novelist—and readers have been hooked ever since.
Meet Tess Monaghan
Lippman’s first novel, Baltimore Blues (1997), introduced readers to Tess Monaghan, a former reporter turned private investigator. Tess is sharp, stubborn, and endlessly curious—much like her creator. The book kicked off a beloved series that spanned over a decade, with 12 novels and several short stories.
The Tess Monaghan series helped establish Lippman as a fresh voice in detective fiction, blending classic mystery elements with a distinctly modern, female perspective.
Going Solo: Stand-Alone Thrillers
While Tess made her famous, Lippman’s stand-alone novels have earned her critical acclaim. Every Secret Thing (2003) tells the haunting story of two young girls entangled in a crime that follows them into adulthood. It was later adapted into a film starring Diane Lane.
Then came What the Dead Know (2007), a chilling tale about a woman who claims to be the long-lost victim of a decades-old disappearance. The novel became a New York Times bestseller and won the Anthony Award for Best Novel.
In After I’m Gone (2014), Lippman explores the ripple effects of one man’s disappearance on the five women he left behind. It’s a slow-burn mystery with emotional depth—and another Anthony Award winner.
A Life Full of Stories
Lippman’s personal life is just as rich with storytelling. She’s married to David Simon, creator of HBO’s The Wire and Treme. The two met while working at the Baltimore Sun, and Lippman even made a cameo on The Wire—a fun Easter egg for fans.
Over the years, she’s collected a shelf full of awards, including the Agatha, Edgar, and Anthony Awards, cementing her place as one of the genre’s greats.
What’s Next?
Laura Lippman continues to write with the same sharp insight and suspenseful flair that made her a household name. Her latest novel, Sunburn, is set to hit shelves this February—and if her past work is any indication, it’s going to be another must-read.
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