Karen Cleveland

Karen Cleveland is an American thriller author and former CIA analyst. She writes suspenseful and gripping thriller novels, often blending elements of espionage and domestic intrigue, based on her professional experience.

Karen Cleveland was born and raised in Florida. She pursued her higher education at the University of Florida, later advancing her studies as a Fulbright Scholar at Trinity College Dublin and finally at Harvard University.

Cleveland worked for the CIA, focusing on Russia and later moved to the Counterterrorism Center, working primarily on Pakistan and Syria. During her tenure at the CIA, she wrote briefs for the US President and other senior policymakers, collaborated with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, and was honored with over a dozen Exceptional Performance Awards.

Cleveland's transition from a CIA analyst to a writer has led her to publish three novels, the first of which, Need to Know (2018), became a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestseller. It was published in over 30 international markets, and Universal Pictures acquired the film rights with Charlize Theron attached to star and produce.

As an author, Cleveland has brought a unique perspective to her writing, drawing on her extensive experience at the CIA. Her books are known for blending domestic thriller elements with espionage, providing a fresh take on the spy genre by focusing on the lives of analysts rather than operatives.

Her latest novel, The New Neighbor (2022), is a gripping thriller set in a suburban cul-de-sac where most families have CIA connections. The story revolves around a spy forced into retirement and her long-time elusive target, turning the neighborhood into a stage for a deadly game.

Karen Cleveland now resides in North Carolina with her husband and three children.

Photo credit: karen-cleveland.com