Susan Dunlap

Susuan Dunlap is a highly respected American author, renowned for her mystery novels. She has written many top-selling books over the past few decades, with her first successful publication, "Karma," released in 1981. This marked the beginning of her ten-book series featuring the character Jill Smith, a brash Berkeley cop. Dunlap's work is known for its engaging style, which makes readers feel as though they are truly part of the story.

Before becoming an author, Dunlap worked as a social worker. It was during this time that she was inspired by an Agatha Christie novel to try her hand at writing mysteries. After six years and six manuscripts, she finally published her debut novel. Since then, Dunlap has published more than two dozen novels and several short stories. In addition to the Jill Smith series, she has also created other ongoing characters, including Vejay Haskell, Kiernan O'Shaughnessy, and Darcy Lott, a Zen student and stunt double.

Dunlap is also a co-founder of Sisters in Crime, an organization that supports women crime writers. She has won several awards for her work, including the Anthony Award for Best First Novel in 1982 for "Karma." Dunlap continues to live and work near San Francisco, where many of her novels are set. Her writing is a testament to her talent and her ability to create engaging and suspenseful mystery novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats.