Ingrid Thoft is a successful American author, well-known for her crime fiction novels, particularly the Fina Ludlow series. Thoft was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and attended Wellesley College, where she earned her degree. Her interest in the life of a private investigator led her to pursue a certificate program in private investigation at the University of Washington. She currently resides in Seattle, Washington, with her husband.
Growing up in the northern suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, Thoft was exposed to the city's rich cultural experiences, which included attending concerts, visiting museums, and eating at unique restaurants. Her parents played a significant role in shaping her interests, as they loved exploring different cultures and encouraged their children to read. From a young age, Thoft aspired to be a writer, often creating her own versions of the New York Times and the Boston Globe, complete with illustrations, using her home typewriter. Her early influences included Caroline Keen and Nancy Drew, whose works she shared with her family members, including her mother, sisters, and nieces. Other childhood favorites included the Choose Your Own Adventure books and the Encyclopedia Brown series.
Thoft's Fina Ludlow series has received critical acclaim, earning nominations for prestigious awards and winning the Shamus Award for Best P.I. Novel for BRUTALITY. The series, which includes LOYALTY, IDENTITY, BRUTALITY, and DUPLICITY, has been described as "sizzling" by Entertainment Weekly and "dazzling" by Publishers Weekly. Set in Boston, the novels feature private investigator Fina Ludlow, who navigates the city's criminal underworld while dealing with her family of personal injury attorneys. Thoft's quest for creating a realistic private investigator character led her to earn a certificate in private investigation from the University of Washington. The series is currently being developed into a TV series by ABC studios. In addition to her writing, Thoft is an active member of the Seattle7Writers, a collective of Pacific Northwest authors who aim to foster and support passion for the written word.