Nina Simon
I write crime stories about strong women. My first novel, MOTHER-DAUGHTER MURDER NIGHT, about a grandma, single mom, and teenage girl who come together to solve a murder mystery, is out now.
Writing is my joy. In college, I was an electrical engineering student by day and a slam poet by night. After a brief stint at NASA, I started designing interactive exhibits and eventually became a museum director. I wrote two books of nonfiction about participatory, relevant cultural institutions. I thought of nonprofits as my "real" job and writing on the side.
Then, my mom got sick. I quit my job to help care for her, and I found myself turning to fiction--crime stories especially--as a way to escape during a hard time. My mom and I both always loved mysteries, and I decided to try to write one myself, with a detective/hero based on her. Now, my mom is doing better, and I'm gratefully spending my days writing, reading, and dreaming up new stories.
I live off-the-grid in the Santa Cruz mountains with my family. You can find out more about me at https://ninaksimon.com/
I write a very occasional newsletter at https://ninaksimon.substack.com/
I write crime stories about strong women. My first novel, MOTHER-DAUGHTER MURDER NIGHT, about a grandma, single mom, and teenage girl who come together to solve a murder mystery, is out now.
Writing is my joy. In college, I was an electrical engineering student by day and a slam poet by night. After a brief stint at NASA, I started designing interactive exhibits and eventually became a museum director. I wrote two books of nonfiction about participatory, relevant cultural institutions. I thought of nonprofits as my "real" job and writing on the side.
Then, my mom got sick. I quit my job to help care for her, and I found myself turning to fiction--crime stories especially--as a way to escape during a hard time. My mom and I both always loved mysteries, and I decided to try to write one myself, with a detective/hero based on her. Now, my mom is doing better, and I'm gratefully spending my days writing, reading, and dreaming up new stories.
I live off-the-grid in the Santa Cruz mountains with my family. You can find out more about me at https://ninaksimon.com/
I write a very occasional newsletter at https://ninaksimon.substack.com/
Awards: Lefty (2024), Anthony (2024) see all
Genres: Mystery
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Nina Simon recommends

The Midnight Taxi (2026)
Yosha Gunasekera
"Mystery takes Manhattan in this charming debut, which features a winning cast steeped in the rich diversity of immigrant New York and the nuances of the criminal justice system."

Party of Liars (2025)
Kelsey Cox
"I couldn't put it down! Party of Liars brings the gothic house mystery to Texas, featuring a killer cast, heart-pumping pace, and well-plotted twists and turns."

The Retirement Plan (2025)
Sue Hincenbergs
"The perfect cocktail of well-plotted, good-hearted, murderous fun. Sue Hincenbergs has created a world of lovable characters, surprising twists, and satisfying resolutions."
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