America's reigning queen of thrillers has sold an impressive 300 million books globally; immerse yourself in these five heart-pounding novels she's penned!
Nora Roberts, born Eleanor Marie Robertson on October 10, 1950, in Silver Spring, Maryland, began her journey as a writer during a life-changing snowstorm in 1979. Influenced by her Irish-American family's love for reading, she saw an advertisement for a writer's course and decided to give writing a try.
Roberts' first published book, "Irish Thoroughbred," was released in 1981, marking the start of her prolific career as a romance novelist. Over the years, she has authored over 225 novels and also writes under pseudonyms such as J.D. Robb, Jill March, and Sarah Hardesty.
A Master of Genre and Imagination
Roberts is renowned for her rich imagination, depth of characters, and narrative tension. She has been instrumental in renewing genre codes while maintaining detail, earning her a significant place in the literary world. Roberts is recognized as a major figure in romance literature and was the first writer inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame.
Exploring Different Realms
In addition to her romance novels, Roberts also dabbles in other genres. Under the pseudonym J.D. Robb, she writes futuristic plots. One such example is the Morrigan's Cross series, where she introduces characters like Hoyt, a magician, and his twin brother Cian, who has become a vampire. This series showcases Roberts' ability to blend Celtic myths, fantasy, and strong emotions.
Another series worth mentioning is the Circle Trilogy, which starts with Morrigan's Cross (2008), set in 12th century Ireland. This trilogy features a conflict between humans and demonic creatures, with the aid of the goddess Morrigan. Hoyt is taken to the future to gather a band of heroes.
Psychological Thrillers and Supernatural Mysteries
Roberts' works also include gripping psychological thrillers and supernatural mysteries. In Angels Fall (2008), she tells the story of Reece, a sole survivor of a massacre, trying to rebuild her life in Wyoming. The novel is a gripping exploration of Reece's personal, oppressive hunt where the line between paranoia and reality blurs.
In Blue Dahlia (2007), strange things start happening in the house where Stella lives with her children. This blend of contemporary romance and supernatural thriller features the characters Stella, a young widow, and Logan, a landscaper.
Themes of Abandonment and Redemption
Recently, Roberts has explored themes of abandonment and redemption in her works. The Awakening (2021) is the first book of the Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy, where she delves into the story of Breen Kelly, a young American teacher, who discovers a mystical world of magical portals and ancient secrets.
In Public Secrets (2005), Emma, a photographer struggling with repressed memories of her half-brother's unsolved murder, makes it her mission to find her brother's murderer, at the risk of losing everything.
With over 400 books published and translated into 26 languages, Roberts' works have sold over 300 million copies worldwide. Her impact on the literary world is undeniable, and her ability to captivate readers across various genres continues to make her a beloved figure in the literary community.
En-vols in the realm of fantasy, Roberts, writing under the pseudonym J.D. Robb, penned the captivating Morrigan's Cross series, featuring books like Morrigan's Cross itself, which blends Celtic myths, fantasy, and strong emotions.
Intrigued by the worlds of entertainment outside romance, Roberts also authored books that delve into psychological thrillers, such as Blue Dahlia, a blend of contemporary romance and supernatural thriller.
