Rebecca McKanna Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

About Rebecca McKanna

Rebecca McKanna is an American author known for writing mystery novels. Her stories pull readers in with strong characters and interesting plots. She has a talent for creating protagonists who feel real and easy to connect with. This makes her books enjoyable for people who like well-told mysteries.

One of her strengths is crafting narratives that keep readers guessing. She builds tension in clever ways without making things too complicated. Her characters face challenges that feel believable, adding depth to the story. This balance makes her work both entertaining and satisfying to follow.

Readers appreciate how her books are engaging from start to finish. She knows how to pace a story so it never feels slow or confusing. Her writing style is straightforward but still full of surprises. Fans of mystery fiction often find her work hard to put down once they start reading.

Her characters stay with readers long after the story ends. They feel like real people with relatable struggles and emotions. This makes it easy for readers to get lost in her fictional worlds. Her books offer a welcome escape into gripping, well-crafted mysteries.

The way she writes her protagonists makes them memorable and engaging. Readers often find themselves rooting for them as they navigate twists and challenges. Her stories provide excitement while still feeling grounded. This balance keeps the escapism enjoyable without becoming unrealistic.

Fans of her work appreciate how immersive her storytelling is. The mysteries pull readers in, but the characters make them stay. She has a knack for blending tension with moments that feel human and genuine. This makes her books a great choice for anyone looking to get swept up in a compelling story.

Through her books she has found fans across the globe. Readers from different places connect with her mysteries because they’re exciting and well-told. She stays authentic to her voice, never forcing trends or gimmicks. That honesty makes her stories stand out in a crowded genre.

Her writing feels fresh yet familiar, like a conversation with a sharp, engaging friend. She doesn’t chase shock value—instead, she focuses on tight plots and characters that matter. This approach keeps readers coming back, knowing they’ll get a satisfying experience. Her work proves that strong storytelling transcends borders.

Wherever in the world someone picks up her books, the appeal is the same. She writes what she believes in, and that sincerity shines through. Readers trust her to deliver smart, gripping mysteries without pretension. That’s why her stories continue to entertain so many people, wherever they are.

Rebecca McKanna isn’t done surprising her readers. With more stories in the works, fans can look forward to fresh mysteries and new characters to discover. She keeps honing her craft, ensuring each book delivers the same gripping storytelling she’s known for. The best is yet to come.

Early and Personal Life

Rebecca McKanna grew up in Iowa, where she developed a love for storytelling early on. Books became a big part of her life, sparking an interest in writing that stayed with her over the years. This passion eventually led her to pursue a career where she could both write and teach.

As an assistant professor of English, she shares her knowledge with students at the University of Indianapolis. Her academic work complements her writing, allowing her to explore language and narrative in different ways. Being represented by Rebecca Gradinger at Fletcher & Company has helped her navigate the publishing world with expert guidance.

Her Midwestern roots and teaching experience influence her approach to storytelling. She draws inspiration from everyday life, shaping relatable characters and compelling plots. With a strong foundation in both writing and education, she continues to grow as an author readers admire.

Writing Career

Rebecca McKanna’s writing career began with short stories that quickly gained recognition. Her work was included in The Best American Mystery Stories 2019 and noted as distinguished in The Best American Short Stories 2019. Her fiction has appeared in respected literary journals such as Colorado Review, The Rumpus, Michigan Quarterly Review, and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency.

In 2023, she published her debut mystery thriller novel, Don’t Forget the Girl, marking her entry into long-form mystery fiction. Her short fiction background helped shape her sharp, engaging storytelling style in the novel. With more writing ahead, she continues to build her career as a compelling voice in the mystery genre.

Rebecca McKanna’s debut novel Don’t Forget the Girl earned notable recognition, including a nomination for the 2024 based Lambda Literary Award in LGBTQ+ Mystery, along with the 2023 Strand Magazine Critics Award for Best Debut Mystery. It also won the prestigious 2024 Indiana Authors Award for Genre Fiction.

These accolades highlight the novel’s compelling storytelling and McKanna’s rising prominence in the mystery genre. The awards reflect both critical praise and reader appreciation for her fresh, engaging voice.

Rebecca McKanna continues writing, with more compelling mysteries on the horizon. Fans can expect her signature sharp storytelling and nuanced characters in future works as she builds on her acclaimed debut.

Don’t Forget the Girl

Rebecca McKanna’s mystery thriller Don’t Forget the Girl was published on June 20, 2023, by Sourcebooks Landmark. The novel marked her debut in full-length fiction after her acclaimed short stories. As a traditional publication under a major imprint, it introduced her work to wider audiences in the mystery genre.

The story itself examines how society remembers killers but forgets their victims. Twelve years after University of Iowa freshman Abby Hartmann vanished, suspected serial killer Jon Allan Blue faces execution. Abby’s estranged best friends, Bree and Chelsea, watch as Blue’s notorious crimes overshadow Abby’s memory. When a popular podcast focuses on Blue’s murders, the women must confront their fractured friendship and unspoken resentments while Abby’s story resurfaces.

Readers will find Don’t Forget the Girl a gripping and thought-provoking debut thriller. McKanna skillfully explores victimhood and memory while delivering a compelling mystery. The tension between estranged friends adds emotional depth to the suspenseful plot. Mystery fans will appreciate this fresh take on true crime’s impact with its sharp writing and engaging narrative.