Lisa Scottoline

Lisa Scottoline is a highly accomplished American author, best known for her legal thriller novels, women's fiction, and mystery stories. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 1955, she grew up in the nearby suburb of Bala Cynwyd. Scottoline's early education and passion for literature set the foundation for her successful writing career. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 1976 with a focus on contemporary American short stories, having studied under the esteemed writer Philip Roth. Her academic achievements continued at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she earned her law degree in 1981 and later taught Justice and Fiction.

Before becoming a full-time novelist, Scottoline worked as a litigator at a major law firm. However, her life took a significant turn when her daughter, Francesca, was born. Choosing to devote her time to raising her child, she left her law career and began writing from home. This decision marked the beginning of her successful writing career, during which she has published over 30 novels, with more than 30 million copies in print and translations in over 35 countries.

Scottoline has received numerous accolades for her work, including the Edgar Award and the prestigious position of President of Mystery Writers of America. Her books are popular selections for book clubs, and she and her daughter have hosted an annual Big Book Club Party for over a thousand readers at Scottoline's Pennsylvania farm for the past twelve years. In addition to her novel writing, Scottoline reviews fiction and non-fiction for prominent newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She also co-writes a weekly column with her daughter for The Philadelphia Inquirer called "Chick Wit," a humorous take on life from a woman's perspective, which has been compiled into a bestselling series of memoirs. Lisa Scottoline is a true testament to the power of following one's passion and turning it into a successful and fulfilling career.