©Bill Ecklund Photography

Kelly Simmons is clearly out standing in her field.  (This is not my own field, but I am, in fact, standing. And wearing so much natural bug spray you can probably smell it. Okay, back to third person to make it easier for the journalists.) 

Kelly is a former journalist (see, I understand) advertising creative director and the author of five novels sold in a dozen countries: STANDING STILL and THE BIRD HOUSE (Simon & Schuster) plus Target bestseller ONE MORE DAY, THE FIFTH OF JULY and her newest, WHERE SHE WENT (Sourcebooks.)  Her sixth novel, NOT MY BOY, comes out January 2021. She teaches in the Drexel University MFA program, and is a member of WFWA, Tall Poppy Writers and The Liars Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping fledgling novelists. Additionally, she co-helms the weekly writers podcast “Liars Club Oddcast.”  She was born the same day as Dorothy Parker. Coincidence? She thinks not.

EARLY Praise for WHERE SHE WENT:

Fans of smart, sophisticated, twisty suspense will love Simmons’ bold, relentless, and yet utterly relatable heroines. Highly recommended,--Karen Dionne, author of the #1 international bestseller THE MARSH KING'S DAUGHTER

A jaw-dropping conspiracy that feels uncomfortably real. Simmons is at the height of her game, writing with the utmost skill and nuance. A book you’ll race through but not stop thinking about for days after. – Emily Carpenter, bestselling author of BURYING THE HONEYSUCKLE GIRLS

Praise for Standing Still:

An electrifying debut.  The perfect read for a stormy night, Simmons's suspenseful tale contains nary a wasted word.--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Invigorating prose.   Like Midnight Run with a female Charles Grodin.--Entertainment Weekly (B+ review)

 Subtle, scary, yet almost gentle. -- New York Daily News

The prose is concise, resonant, vibrant, thoughtfully crafted, and worth savoring.-- Romantic Times (four stars)

Kelly Simmons debut novel is an emotional page turner reminiscent of best-selling authors like Lisa Gardner or Kay Hooper.--Curled up.com

This compelling debut is a clever, nervy thriller.--Financial Times of London

 The most impressive debut novel I have read in a long time.  A novel of breathtaking originality.  Highly recommended.--Reviewers Bookwatch

Praise for The Bird House:

“An intergenerational school project unlocks a Pandora’s box of unsettling truths.  Evocative and detailed.”--Kirkus (starred review)

“Smoothly shifts between past and present.  Complex and poignant.” ---Publishers Weekly

 "Honest, tender, and very funny." --Shelf Awareness

 “A great title for book groups and fans of ‘Still Alice’.” --Library Journal

 “A surprisingly dark novel of modern family life."  --Booklist

Praise for One More Day:

"Simmons hits all the right emotional notes (in this) wrenching ghost story."  -- Publishers Weekly

“A rare novel that combines intrigue and suspense with so much heart. One of my favorite new books!”  -- Sarah Pekkanen, NYTimes Bestselling Author of THE WIFE BETWEEN US

"Twisty, psychologically deft and wildly original. It'll have you guessing to the very end." -- Megan Abbott,  NYTimes Bestselling Author, Edgar Award Wiinner

"Even when you think you know where the story is headed, there is a twist you do not see coming. It will keep you reading well into the night."   -- Cathy Fiebach, Main Point Books

Praise for The Fifth of July:

"Simmons brilliantly draws readers into the family’s pervasive cloud of suspicion and distrust.” – Shelf Awareness

“A cleverly dark family whodunit. The perfect read for a day at the beach.”--Library Journal

“A read as comfortable as a worn-in sofa at a beach house.” – Booklist

“Gorgeously written and fully immersive.” – NYTimes Bestseller Kate Moretti.