Susanna Beard

Organisations

• Society of Authors
• International Thriller Writers' Association
• Crime Writers' Association

Details

All my life I've been involved in writing, mostly via my work in public relations, but only recently can I call myself an novelist — something I've wanted to do since I was seventeen.

I write psychological thrillers and suspense novels, and I'm an alumna of the Faber Academy, where I studied for six months on their Writing a Novel course. My first two books, Dare to Remember and The Truth Waits, were published by Legend Press in 2017 and 2018, and were re-released by Joffe Books in 2021 as What Happened that Night and The Girl on the Beach. In December 2020 my third book, The Perfect Life, was published and my latest, The Lost Brother, in February 2021, both with Joffe Books. All are available via Amazon. 

What Happened that Night (originally Dare to Remember), my first novel, concerns a woman who suffers a terrible trauma but has no memory of it. The story follows her journey to recovery through therapy, new friends and a rescue dog. "Written with care and a deep level of understanding, while simultaneously building up the suspense until you are racing to find out what happened… a great read."

The Girl on the Beach (originally The Truth Waits), my second book, is partly set in Lithuania, where the landscape reflects the darkness of the story. There's a murder, sex trafficking and a brave woman who has to face her own past while searching for a killer. "...a gripping tale of secret guilt, trust, revenge and retribution."

The Perfect Life is the story of a woman who wins a huge sum on the Lottery. Her comfortable life dissolves into chaos when she starts receiving anonymous, hateful messages. When she tries to escape with her family, things go from bad to worse and she realises she can’t trust anyone. "...critically acclaimed author Susanna Beard redefines the depths of the psychological thriller."

The Lost Brother follows a brother and sister who are best friends, allies in a loveless family. They are a constant disappointment to their domineering father. The boy is sent away to a boarding school in South Africa to “toughen him up”, leaving his sister to deal with her dysfunctional parents on her own. "...[an] utterly absorbing take on family betrayal, dark secrets and deep trauma that will keep you guessing until its chilling conclusion."

"Susanna weaves a spellbinding web..."

I'm aiming to write a book a year from now until I'm too decrepit to do it any more! I love a dark story with a satisfying resolution, and my love of language means I'm always striving for the best word, phrase or sentence. 

In my talks I discuss my own journey to publication, the ups and downs of the writer's life, how I get inspiration, and how I managed to change my career late in life. I talk openly about what I've learned, both good and bad, and my ambitions. I have a lot to say - and love answering questions!

I'm a regular book recommender and interviewee on local radio stations and I give talks to book clubs, special interest groups, local libraries and literary festivals. I'm willing to travel anywhere within a couple of hours of Marlow in Buckinghamshire, where I live and work. 

I base my charges on the recommendations of the Society of Authors.

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