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Nina Simon



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/
 

Awards: Lefty (2024), Anthony (2024)  see all

Genres: Mystery
 
Novels
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Awards
2024 Lefty Award for Best Debut Mystery Novel : Mother-Daughter Murder Night
2024 Anthony Award for Best First Novel : Mother-Daughter Murder Night

Award nominations
2024 Macavity Award for Best First Novel (nominee) : Mother-Daughter Murder Night
2024 Barry Award for Best First Novel (nominee) : Mother-Daughter Murder Night
2024 Agatha Award for Best First Novel (nominee) : Mother-Daughter Murder Night


Nina Simon recommends
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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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The Vipers (2025)
Katy Hays
"A twisty, seductive thriller."
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Jane and Dan at the End of the World (2025)
Colleen Oakley
"Only Colleen Oakley could turn a terrorist attack on a restaurant into a charming story full of humor, surprises, and familial love. A delightful, imaginative, laugh-out-loud joy ride of a novel."

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