Thriller novelist and forensic expert, crafting suspenseful stories that blend science and intrigue, with a focus on psychological thrillers and crime fiction.
Meg Gardiner is a renowned American thriller writer, best known for her captivating novels that have been keeping readers on the edge of their seats for decades. With a career spanning over 15 published books, Gardiner has cemented her position as a master of the thriller genre.
Born on May 15, 1957, in Oklahoma, Gardiner grew up in Santa Barbara, California. Her early life was marked by a strong academic background, with her father, Frank C. Gardiner, being an English professor. This literary influence likely played a significant role in shaping her writing career.
Gardiner attended Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, California, and later graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. She was also a track athlete and earned a letter in the sport. After completing her undergraduate studies, Gardiner went on to graduate from Stanford Law School.
Gardiner's writing career began with the publication of her first novel, China Lake, in 2002. This debut novel received widespread acclaim and won the 2009 Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original novel. The success of her first book paved the way for her subsequent novels, including the Evan Delaney series and the Jo Beckett series.
Gardiner's work has been recognized with several awards and nominations. Her novel The Dirty Secrets Club won the 2009 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice award for Best Procedural Novel. Additionally, The Nightmare Thief won the 2012 Audie Award for Thriller/Suspense Audiobook of the Year.
In recent years, Gardiner has published several standalone novels, including Ransom River (2012), The Shadow Tracer (2013), and Phantom Instinct (2014). Her latest series, featuring UNSUB, has received critical acclaim, with Into the Black Nowhere (2018) and The Dark Corners of the Night (2020) being particular standouts.
Gardiner currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Paul Shreve. She has three children, Mark, Nathaniel, and Katherine. In her free time, Gardiner enjoys practicing law, teaching writing, and even revealed that she used to be a mime – a fact she's not afraid to share.
Meg Gardiner's contributions to the thriller genre have been significant, with her novels captivating readers worldwide. Her unique blend of suspense, intrigue, and well-crafted characters has solidified her position as a prominent figure in the literary world. As a writer, she continues to push the boundaries of the thriller genre, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next release.
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