S.J. Rozan is a renowned American author, born as Shira Judith Rozan in the Bronx, New York, in 1950. She is best known for her mystery novels set in New York City, particularly the Lydia Chin and Bill Smith series. Rozan has received numerous awards for her work, including the Edgar, Nero, Macavity, Shamus, and Anthony awards for Best Novel, as well as the Edgar award for Best Short Story. She has also been a guest speaker at prestigious events such as the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Rozan's life has been marked by various professional experiences before she became a successful author. After growing up in the Bronx with a brother and a couple of sisters, she pursued her passion for basketball while completing her education. She earned a bachelor's degree from Oberlin College and a master's degree in architecture from the New York State University at Buffalo. Her background in architecture led her to work on projects such as police stations, firehouses, and zoos. However, it was her love for crime fiction that eventually drove her to start writing her own novels.
Influenced by her own life experiences, Rozan created the characters of Bill Smith and Lydia Chin for her detective series. Lydia Chin, a young and energetic Chinese-American private investigator, mirrors Rozan's youthful optimism and enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Bill Smith, a seasoned investigator with a complicated past, embodies the lessons Rozan has learned throughout her life. These characters' stories unfold in the backdrop of New York City, where Rozan was born and raised, and where she continues to reside.
Apart from the Lydia Chin and Bill Smith series, Rozan has written several stand-alone novels and numerous short stories. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards, and she is actively involved in the mystery writing community, having served on the National Boards of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, as well as being a past President of the Private Eye Writers of America. Rozan's commitment to her craft and her dedication to the mystery genre have solidified her position as a prominent and respected author in the industry.