Patricia Smiley is a highly regarded American author, best known for her series featuring Tucker Sinclair, an amateur sleuth, and the Pacific Homicide series. The Pacific Homicide series has gained significant recognition, with the third book, The Second Goodbye, being named one of the top ten crime novels of 2018 by various sources.
Smiley was born in a small agricultural town in Washington, where her love for books was nurtured by her mother. As a child, she was particularly fond of mystery novels, such as the Trixie Beldon series. Her taste in literature evolved as she grew older, leading her to enjoy the works of authors like Christie, Chandler, and Hammett. She pursued a college education, majoring in drama and graduating with a sociology degree. She took up sociology because she found it practical, while drama was merely a fun pursuit. Smiley's writing career has seen her publish short fiction pieces in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and an Elizabeth George edited anthology titled Two of the Deadliest.
In addition to her mystery writing, Smiley has been an active member of the writing community. She has lectured on writing at various conferences in Canada and the United States and has held leadership positions in the Mystery Writers of America Southern California chapter and Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles. Smiley currently resides in Los Angeles, where she continues to write about her distinctive and determined female characters. Her works are highly praised for their quirky and engaging storylines, making her a popular figure in the mystery novel genre.