From Mother-Daughter Murder Night to a New Mystery

Nina Simon has quickly become a standout voice in contemporary crime fiction, crafting stories that balance suspense with warmth, humor, and powerful portrayals of family.

Following the runaway success of her debut novel, Mother-Daughter Murder Night, Nina returns with My Sister Is Going to Kill Me, an eagerly anticipated new whodunit set against the breathtaking (and dangerous) backdrop of the Grand Canyon. Slated for release on August 18 from William Morrow, the novel promises another engaging, family-centered mystery as two sisters navigate both turbulent rapids and a deadly investigation.

Nina’s rise in the literary world has been nothing short of remarkable. Her debut novel not only became a New York Times bestseller, but also earned a coveted spot as a Reese’s Book Club pick.

Written during a deeply personal time in her life, the book was inspired by her desire to connect with and comfort her mother during a major health crisis. That emotional core struck a chord with readers everywhere, helping Mother-Daughter Murder Night earn accolades including a Golden Poppy Award and recognition as one of the best books of 2023 by Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CrimeReads, and Library Journal.

An Unconventional Path to Crime Fiction

What sets Nina apart is not just her storytelling ability, but the wild career path she took to get there.

Before turning to fiction, she built a fascinating and multifaceted career, working as a NASA engineer, slam poet, game designer, museum director, and nonprofit CEO. Across these roles, Nina developed a deep expertise in community engagement, particularly in spaces like museums, libraries, parks, and theaters.

Her insights on participation and collaboration have been featured in major outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, NPR, and even on the TEDx stage.

That rich mix of experiences shines through in her writing. Nina’s stories are packed with strong, memorable women, sharp dialogue, and just enough twists to keep readers guessing, all while staying grounded in relationships that feel real.

Originally from Los Angeles, Nina now lives off the grid with her family in the Santa Cruz Mountains, an adventurous lifestyle that seems perfectly in line with the spirit of her books.

Meet Nina Simon at the Hoopla Booth

Fans who want to meet her in person will have the opportunity at this year’s ALA Conference in Chicago, where she will host a live Q&A and book signing in the Hoopla booth on Sunday, June 28, from 2-2:45 p.m.