About Mary Burton

Meet Mary Burton, a suspense author who dives deep into the minds of serial killers in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels.  Mary takes a hands-on research approach by immersing herself in the world she writes about. Whether interviewing professionals, attending forensic seminars, or delving into evidence collection and analysis, she leaves no stone unturned in her quest for authenticity.

Mary’s mastery of the genre is evident in her frequent appearances among the top ten writers in Amazon’s Author Rankings for suspense, romantic suspense, and thrillers. Her recent titles, including Another Girl Lost, The House Beyond the Dunes, and The Lies I Told  have captivated readers worldwide.

Honored with the 2019 Montlake Romance Diamond Award for reaching one million readers, Mary’s accolades continue with a nomination for the 2023 International Thriller Writer Award and three RITA Award nominations from Romance Writers of America. She incorporates her journey from her Richmond, Virginia, roots to her current home on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in her vivid storytelling.

She graduated from Virginia’s Hollins University and enjoyed a successful career in marketing before she became a prolific author. With an impressive repertoire of forty novels and five novellas under her belt as Mary Burton, and eleven works of contemporary fiction as Mary Ellen Taylor, including The Promise of Tomorrow, When the Rain Ends, and The Brighter The Light, she continues to enchant readers with her diverse storytelling, each tale a testament to her rich and varied experiences.

A proud member of the International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Mystery Writers of America, Mary finds joy in connecting with readers at bookstores, festivals, and conferences. Despite her busy schedule, she remains a true homebody at heart, cherishing quiet moments and morning walks when she’s not on the road exploring new stories.