Alafair Burke is an accomplished American author of mystery and suspense crime fiction, a professor of law, and a legal commentator. She is well-known for her ability to create relatable female characters, such as Samantha Kincaid and Ellie Hatcher, in her novels. Burke often draws inspiration from real-life cases for her writing, which has earned her a reputation as a skilled writer in her genre.
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in October 1969, Burke is the daughter of the renowned author James Lee Burke, who is famous for his crime novels. Her parents' professions, with her father teaching English and her mother working as a librarian, undoubtedly influenced her literary pursuits. Burke earned her law degree from Stanford Law School and later became a Deputy District Attorney in Portland, Oregon, before transitioning to a career in academia. She currently serves as a law professor at Hofstra Law School, where she teaches criminal law and procedure.
In addition to her work as an author and professor, Burke is also a legal commentator for various radio shows and programs. She has written fourteen crime novels, including The Ex, The Wife, and The Better Sister. Burke is also the co-author of several novels with Mary Higgins Clark. Her novels have received critical acclaim and have been featured in numerous publications, such as The Today Show, People Magazine, and The New York Times. The Ex was even nominated for an Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2016.
Burke's writing is informed by her experience as a prosecutor in America's police precincts and criminal courtrooms. She has written standalone novels, such as Find Me, The Wife, and The Better Sister, as well as two series featuring NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher and Portland Deputy District Attorney Samantha Kincaid. She is also the co-author of the "Under Suspicion" series with Mary Higgins Clark. Burke's novels have earned her a reputation as a "genius for plot" and "a virtuoso" of domestic suspense. She is a major talent in the world of crime fiction and continues to captivate audiences with her thrilling and suspenseful novels.