Why do you write the genre that you write?
I don’t really write in one genre—I tend to bend and blend them. Probably because I read across so many. I enjoy a wide variety of books, and I write what I enjoy reading.
What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
Finlay and Vero have a knack for finding (and disposing of) bodies.
How did you come up with your pseudonym?
The first letter of my first name is L. I didn’t want to use an initial as a pseudonym, so I spelled it out. Elle is actually a nickname I answered to while I was in college—I always signed personal notes and letters with the letter L and my friends latched onto that, calling me Elle—so it felt like a natural choice.
Tell us how you got into writing?
I had a midlife crisis after a long career in real estate, and my mom convinced me to take a sabbatical from work and try writing a novel. That was in 2010. I never looked back.
What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
In high school, I was first mate on a charter fishing boat. In college, I worked as a tour guide, a biology lab assistant, and as a server at a pizza place. After college, I was a receptionist at a doctor’s office and a telephone customer service rep before I fell into a career in real estate. I sold homes, taught sales and marketing, and managed sales teams for about fourteen years before I wrote my first novel.
Where do you write?
Usually at home, in my office or on the couch.
What is your favorite deadline snack?
I have a terrible sweet tooth but I’m trying to take better care of myself, so lately it’s been popcorn.
Who is an author you admire?
I had the immense privilege of meeting Holly Black at a mentorship program years ago. I know they say never meet your heroes, but I’m so glad I did. She’s not only a phenomenal storyteller, but also incredibly generous and wise. I’m still starstruck by her.
What’s your favorite genre to read?
See question 1. I read everything from mystery to thriller to romcom to fantasy, both YA and adult, and everything in between.
What are you reading now?
I just finished The Good Ones by Polly Stewart (stunning!), just started Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan (so fun!), and next up is Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews (can’t wait!).
What is your favorite beverage to end the day?
Coffee, all day every day.
What is next for you?
I’m hard at work on book #4 of the Finlay Donovan series with three more on the way after that!
Where can we find you?
Check out my website for FAQs, book club extras, links to my socials, and all my contact information: ellecosimano.com.
Now to have some fun . . .
Chocolate or vanilla
Chocolate!
Cake or ice cream
Yes, please!
Fruits or vegetables
All of the above!
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Breakfast for dinner
Dining in or dining out
In
City life or country living
Country living
Beach or mountain
Beach in the spring/summer, mountains in the fall/winter
Summer or winter
Autumn
Short story or full-length novel
Full length novel
Extrovert or introvert
Introvert
Early bird or night owl
Night owl
And even more fun . . .
What’s your favorite movie?
The Goonies
You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
A boat, a fishing rod, and a notebook.
My bio:
Elle Cosimano is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, an International Thriller Award winner, a Bram Stoker Award finalist, and an Edgar® Award nominee. Her debut novel for adults, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, kicked off a witty, fast-paced contemporary mystery series, which was a PEOPLE Magazine Pick and was named one of New York Public Library’s Best Books of 2021. In addition to writing novels for teens and adults, her essays have appeared in The Huffington Post and TIME. Elle lives with her husband and two sons in Virginia.