In Memory: Karen Harper

By Dawn Ius

It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Karen Harper, who lost her battle with cancer last week. Harper is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 70 novels of romantic suspense, historicals, and mysteries. Her Amish-setting novel, Dark Angel, won a coveted Mary Higgins Clark award.

Harper’s most recent romantic suspense—DEEP IN THE ALASKAN WOODS—published on April 28 and follows the story of Alexandra Collister, who journeys to Alaska looking for a fresh start. Instead she finds Quinn Mantell, a rugged wilderness tracker who offers to be her guide through the unforgiving Alaskan landscape.

Still recovering from the toxic relationship that drove her to leave her hometown in search of solace, Alexandra is wary of getting too close to anyone—but when deep claw marks appear outside her bedroom window, it’s Quinn she runs to for comfort.

And when the first body shows up, Alexandra and Quinn can only come to one conclusion—something sinister is lurking in the woods.

Harper follows up this tale of suspense in May with THE QUEEN’S SECRET, a riveting historical that lifts the veil on one of the world’s most fascinating families and gives insight into the beloved Queen of England.

Karen Harper

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Harper was a former college English instructor and high school literature and writing teacher. Besides her American settings—including southwest Florida, where she lived for many winters—Harper loved the British Isles, where her Scottish and English roots ran deep.

Harper was a regular contributor to The Big Thrill, always willing to help promote her fellow authors and their books through reviews and thoughtful interviews. Her contributions to the magazine, the International Thriller Writers organization, and the industry will be greatly missed.