About Sue Coletta
I’ve always been intrigued by how the criminal mind works, especially serial killers. In my books I offer an honest peek behind the crime scene tape. Sometimes it can be frightening, other times fascinating. Are you ready to take the ride?
True Crime
For four centuries, New England has been a cradle of crime and murder—from the Salem witch trials to the modern-day mafia. Nineteenth century New England was the hunting ground of five female serial killers: Jane Toppan, Lydia Sherman, Nellie Webb, Harriet E. Nason, and Sarah Jane Robinson.
Female killers are often portrayed as caricatures: Black Widows, Angels of Death, or Femme Fatales. But the real stories of these women are much more complex. In Pretty Evil New England, true crime author Sue Coletta tells the story of these five women, from broken childhoods, to first brushes with death, and she examines the overwhelming urges that propelled these women to take the lives of a combined total of more than one-hundred innocent victims.
The murders, investigations, trials, and ultimate verdicts will stun and surprise readers as they live vicariously through the killers and the would-be victims that lived to tell their stories.
Rowman & Littlefield Group, Inc.
The Grafton County Series
MARRED
, Book 1, Grafton County Series, is a haunting mystery/serial killer thriller rep’d by Tirgearr Publishing. Available in paperback and digital formats. Wholesalers can find MARRED on Ingram. Full description and all buy links on HOME page. To read Chapter One go HERE.
CLEAVED, Book 2, Grafton County Series, is a chilling psychological thriller/mystery. Available in paperback and digital formats. Wholesalers can find CLEAVED on Ingram. Full description on HOME page. To read Opening Chapter go HERE.
USA Today Bestselling Author Jordan Dane calls CLEAVED “a must read,” and rates it 5-stars! Read full review on Amazon.
Like complex riddles? Check out SCATHED, Book 3, Grafton County Series. Available in paperback and digital formats. Wholesalers can find SCATHED on Ingram. Full description on HOME page. To read Opening Chapter go HERE.
It starts with an innocent stuffed animal. It ends in mind-numbing terror.
Check out RACKED, Book 4, Grafton County Series. Available in paperback and digital formats. Wholesalers can find RACKED on Ingram. Full description on HOME page. To read Opening Chapter go HERE.
She may be paranoid, but is she right?
Check out HALOED, Book 5, Grafton County Series. Available in paperback and digital formats. Wholesalers can find HALOED on Ingram. Full description on HOME page. To read Opening Chapter go HERE.
Mayhem Series
WINGS OF MAYHEM
, Book 1, psychological thriller rep’d by Tirgearr Publishing, won best Mystery/Suspense/Heist award. Available in paperback, audio, and digital formats.
Full description on HOME page. To read Chapter One go HERE.
USA Today Bestselling Author Larry Brooks loved Wings of Mayhem, and rated it 5-stars! Read full review on Amazon.
BLESSED MAYHEM, Book 2, a chilling psychological thriller rep’d by Tirgearr Publishing, won a Readers’ Choice Award for best mystery/thriller.
Available in paperback and digital formats. Wholesalers can find BLESSED MAYHEM on Ingram. Full description on HOME page. To read Opening Chapter go Available in paperback and digital formats.
Full description on HOME page. To read Chapter One go HERE.
SILENT MAYHEM, Book 3, is a chilling psychological thriller rep’d by Tirgearr Publishing. It’s a story you won’t soon forget.
Available in paperback and digital formats. Wholesalers can find SILENT MAYHEM on Ingram.
Full description on HOME page. To read Chapter One go HERE.
I AM MAYHEM, Book 4, is a chilling psychological thriller rep’d by Tirgearr Publishing. It’s a story that’ll linger long after The End.
Available in paperback and digital formats. Wholesalers can find I AM MAYHEM on Ingram.
Full description on HOME page. Video Excerpt of I AM MAYHEM HERE. Or read opening chapters HERE.
UNNATURAL MAYHEM is an emotional psychological thriller that I’d wanted to write for years. Think you know these characters? Think again! LOL
Full description on HOME page, but the description doesn’t do it justice. Too much transpires in this story. If you believe in Karma, you will love this book!
Mayhem #6 & #7 release in 2023!
Mayhem Series Crossovers
*Previously published in Amazon Kindle World. Now published by Aces Press.
HACKED is a Mayhem series crossover with Susan Stoker’s Operation Alpha: Special Forces.
#1 Bestseller in Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense!
*Previously published in Amazon Kindle World. Now published by Twisted Page Press.
FRACTURED LIVES is a Mayhem series crossover with Elle James’ Brotherhood Protectors.
Top 5 Bestseller in Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense!
Short Story Collections
Look for my story A SULTRY ABYSS in SCREAM. Available in paperback and digital formats. Look inside on Amazon. More buying options on HOME page.
Look for my story BLACK OUT in RUN.
Available in paperback only until stock runs out. But you can read both my stories FREE when you join my community (see sidebar or pop-up).
Flash Fiction
THE RENDERING is always FREE on Amazon. Available in digit format only.
Look for my story BETRAYED in One Hundred Voices, Volume 1. Feel free to use the discount code on the HOME page or sidebar, and save 10%. Available in paperback, hardcover, and digital formats. Published by Centum Press.
UPDATE: The publisher refused to pay its authors, so this title is no longer available.
Non-Fiction
Available in digit formats. Look inside 60 Ways to Murder Your Characters on Amazon.
Available in digit formats. Look inside Crime Writer’s Research on Amazon. 
Tidbits …
In the past I wrote children’s books — more than I can count. Not for publication, but for friends’ children to enjoy. Now that I have grandchildren of my own, I may have to resurrect one or two. Yup, you read that right. I have grandchildren, even at my tender age of …
I write full-time and start each morning relaxing with a good book. When asked, I’m always happy to help other writers if time permits. After all, I truly believe when one of us succeeds we all do. The writing community is a rare, wonderful, supportive group, and I consider myself blessed to walk among them.
A little background…
During my lifetime I’ve walked with criminals, crooks, notorious biker gangs, lawyers, cops, upstanding citizens, and came way too close to death on more than one occasion, all of which helps me to create believable, well-rounded characters for my books.
Bio…
Member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers, Sue Coletta is an award-winning, multi-published crime writer. Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies, including forensic articles in InSinC Quarterly and a featured article in The Big Thrill, a magazine issued by International Thriller Writers (look for the Sept. 2019 issue!).
Sue writes two ongoing crime fiction series: Grafton County Series and Mayhem Series (both with Tirgearr Publishing). She also writes true crime. PRETTY EVIL NEW ENGLAND: True Stories of Violent Vixens and Murderous Matriarchs, published by Globe Pequot (Rowman & Littlefield Group, Inc.) hits bookstores Nov. 1, 2020.
In addition to her popular crime resource blog, Sue’s the communications manager for the Serial Killer Project and Forensic Science, and founder of #ACrimeChat on Twitter. She’s also a proud member of the Kill Zone, where she posts every other Monday.
Award-winner of Feedspot’s Top 100 Crime Blogs on the Net (Murder Blog sits at #5), she shares crime tips, police jargon, the mind of serial killers, and anything and everything in between. If you search her archives, you’ll find posts from guests that work in law enforcement, forensics, coroner, undercover operatives, firearm experts … crime, crime, and more crime.
For readers, she has the Crime Lovers Lounge, where subscribers will be the first to know about free giveaways, contests, and have inside access to deleted scenes. As an added bonus, members get to play in the lounge. Your secret code will unlock the virtual door.
Sue lives in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire with her husband, who deals with a crazy crime writer who drags him to ideal body dump locations, uses him to test various murder methods on, and asks him to assist in research stunts that he’d rather not be a part of. When Sue’s not writing, researching, or reading, you can catch her feeding each and every animal that scampers or soars into her yard. Her beloved “pet” crows are her favorites.
Available for speaking engagements, book signings, reading, and events.
Murder, USA, A Crime Fiction Tour of the Nation (Grab your FREE copy 
HERE).
To read excerpts of any of her crime thrillers, go to “My Books” in the toolbar or sample them on the Home page.
In addition to this blog and the Kill Zone, Sue’s the co-administrator of The Book Stops Here. Although her posts appear less frequent now, she contributes when time allows.
Want a peek into Sue’s life? Read A Glorious Summer Day – Not. Update: Sadly, our fur-baby passed away, but I leave this up as a reminder of the joy he brought into our lives.
“Partners In Crime” podcast airs every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. EST. A labor of love and an exciting venture with a dear friend and co-host Author Kim McGath, homicide detective (Ret.) and cold case consultant. Learn more about Partners In Crime in the menu bar. Catch the replay of previous shows, or watch it on Sue’s YouTube channel. Subscribe and be the first to know what goodies she uploads, including research trips for future books!
UPDATE: We’re no longer producing new shows due to time constraints, but the replays are still available for your listening pleasure.
Random thoughts …
There’s no better feeling than being sucked into a good book, transported to a different time and/or place, and meet new “friends.” I love when characters come to life on the page and when a book leaves you wanting more. If an author can make us miss their characters long after we finish the book, they’ve done their job well.
I’m a firm believer in dreams. Hold tight to them. And don’t be afraid to dream big. If you want it bad enough, you will succeed. I’m rooting for you!
I try to learn something new each day. There are many ways to learn. Try reading blogs/websites, online classes, conferences, groups, and speak with strangers on the street, especially the elderly. Elderly folks have wonderful, sometimes tragic, stories to tell. Often times they just want someone to listen. Lend an ear. You’ll make their day.
You can also gain knowledge from searching the internet for specific questions. Please be careful if you choose this route; there’s an equal amount of terrible advice out there. In my Crime Writer’s Resource, which you can find by clicking the title or the link in the menu bar — for all genres now — I’ve included reliable sources for outstanding advice from bestselling authors, crime experts, and/or writers who specialize in craft.
I couldn’t do my job if it weren’t for my police/coroner/firearm/profiler/FBI/forensic consultants/friends. Of which, I have many. Join us every other Wednesday at 3 p.m. EST on Twitter for #ACrimeChat, where writers can ask experts any question they’d like to help their story ring true. Currently on hiatus till further notice. There just aren’t enough hours in the day!
For the topic of the week, follow the hashtag #ACrimeChat. Chats run about an hour. Consider this your inside access to a personal consultant. UPDATE: All recaps are available at the hashtag on Twitter.
Mystery Writers of America, Sisters In Crime, and International Thriller Writers offer many valuable resources. Highly recommend all three organizations.
Humans are fascinating creatures, all with separate views and beliefs. If we take the time to listen, we will always end up stronger for the effort.
I usually post bi-monthly on weekends, depending on how much research is involved and if time permits. I might post something special during the week (it’s rare, though). If you’re interested in guest posting, shoot me an email: sue(at)suecoletta(dot)com, or fill out the contact form on the home page. Keep in mind this is a crime resource blog. I don’t do book promos. Sorry.
Let’s connect.
The red social media buttons above the profile pic are some of the places you can find me online.
Feel free to browse the site and tell me what you think. Otherwise it feels like I’m talking to myself.
Have a great day, and God bless.
~ Sue
36 Comments
Bobbie Lee Robinson
Subject: Query for Memoir/Crime Book: ” They Gave Me the Electric Chair and I gave It Back”
Dear Ms. Sue Coletta
I felt compelled to contact you with an intriguing story to share.
I’m reaching out to you to partner with you to find a home for my book -to-film project.
My name is Bobbie Lee Robinson.
As a former death row inmate who endured four years within 17 feet of Florida’s electric chair, I have a story that needs to be told. I am seeking partnership for my memoir/crime book titled “They Gave Me the Electric Chair and I Gave It Back”. With a word count of 80,000, this book aims to shed light on the harsh realities of the criminal justice system and serve as a cautionary tale to steer young people away from a path of crime.
In my memoir, I vividly recount the harrowing experience of being on death row, navigating the dark corridors of Miami’s criminal underworld, and facing the terrifying prospect of execution. This narrative not only immerses readers in my personal journey but also highlights systemic issues within the justice system—issues that are often obscured by its supposed impartiality.
Law professionals have compared my story to the film “The Green Mile” for its emotional depth and gripping nature. My case has been used in educational settings, where it has sparked discussions about justice, redemption, and the human spirit. Readers and students alike have found inspiration in my tale, motivating them to strive for betterment despite overwhelming odds.
The profound impact of facing death daily has reshaped my view on life. The fear of being executed in the electric chair forced me to confront my own mortality and profoundly altered my perspective. This life-altering experience has granted me a deep appreciation for life and a newfound sense of humility and clarity. My story is not just about survival, but about the transformative power of facing one’s deepest fears and emerging with a renewed sense of purpose.
I believe “They Gave Me the Electric Chair and I Gave It Back” will resonate with readers due to its raw honesty and its capacity to inspire change. I am eager to discuss how this manuscript might fit with your interests.
Overview of the “17 Feet” Clothing Brand and Book Series
Book Series Breakdown
Book 1: They Gave Me The Electric Chair And I Gave It Back
Theme: The personal experience and reflections of facing a death sentence.
Focus: Explores the emotional and psychological journey of confronting imminent execution.
Objective: To provide an intimate look into the emotional turbulence and resilience required to face such a life-threatening situation.
Book 2: Waiting to Be Put to Sleep: A Mind Under Sentence
Theme: The mental state of mind while awaiting execution.
Focus: A deep dive into the author’s thoughts, feelings, and psychological challenges during the waiting period.
Objective: To offer a profound understanding of the mental strain and coping mechanisms during this period of uncertainty and fear.
Book 3: 17 Feet: From Death Row to Fashion
Theme: The transformation of a profound personal experience into a creative endeavor.
Focus: Describes how the author turned a significant mental image—symbolized by “17 feet”—into a clothing brand.
Product Line: Includes T-shirts, hoodies, hats, long sleeve sweaters, bookbags, and more.
Key Design Elements: Incorporates the upside-down electric chair and the upside-down “17 Feet” as a central theme.
Design Concept for Book 3
Symbolism and Impact
Electric Chair: The upside-down electric chair symbolizes the overturning of the death sentence, representing hope, courage, and defiance.
17 Feet: This represents the psychological distance between the protagonist and death, symbolizing the emotional and mental space between life and execution.
Visual Integration
Upside-Down Electric Chair: The image of the electric chair flipped upside down reinforces the theme of overcoming death and transforming fear into something positive.
Upside-Down “17 Feet”: Reflects the same concept, emphasizing that the brand is about overcoming adversities and redefining personal struggles as sources of strength.
Clothing Line
Design: The clothing items feature the upside-down electric chair and “17 Feet” design. The design should be visually striking, incorporating high-contrast colors or unique patterns to make it stand out.
Symbolism: Each item symbolizes resilience and the triumph of spirit over adversity.
Key Selling Points for Agencies and Publishers
Unique Backstory
The combination of personal experience with the creative transformation into fashion makes this brand unique. The story of facing the electric chair and turning it into a symbol of hope is compelling and emotionally resonant.
Emotional Connection
The design elements are deeply symbolic, providing a narrative that potential customers can connect with on a personal level. This emotional engagement can drive brand loyalty and interest.
Market Differentiation
“17 Feet” offers something different from typical fashion lines. The upside-down electric chair design and the story behind it provide a distinctive edge that can attract attention from both the fashion industry and the media.
Potential for Impact
The combination of a powerful personal story with a creative product line can create significant buzz. This unique angle can appeal to publishers and agencies looking for fresh and impactful stories.
Versatility in Promotion
The clothing line can be marketed not just as apparel but as a statement of overcoming adversity. This adds layers to the brand’s appeal, allowing for a wide range of promotional strategies.
Strong Visual Identity
The upside-down electric chair and “17 Feet” design are visually strong and memorable. This distinctive visual identity can be leveraged in marketing campaigns to create a powerful and cohesive brand image.
Thank you for considering my proposal
Let’s discuss further
Bobbie Lee Robinson
(786) 227-2728
Sue Coletta
What a fascinating story, Bobbie Lee. If you already wrote the book, I’m not sure what you’re asking me. Could you email me at sue@suecoletta.com? And please, call me Sue.
Kenny Elisha
Hi, Sue Colleta.
My name is Kenny Elisha. I’m a Literary Assistant at P English Literature (PEL). It’s a pleasure connecting with you.
I’m writing to you because we are currently looking for authors to get featured in the October/November’s Edition of Author Interview on our show. I’m curious to know if you would love to come on our show in an interview to talk about your book(s).
If you are interested, you can respond to this message and Peter Okonkwo, who is the founder and show presenter will send you author interview invitation and a form to schedule to meet via Zoom. You’ll get interviewed by him, or the co-host, Cyndi Brec, or the both of them. Our show has interviewed over 700 authors within four years of its establishment.
I urge you to look our show up on YouTube by searching “P. English Literature” and let me know what you think of it. Plus, if you have any questions. Also, the recently launched audio versions of our show is now widely distributed on Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Samsung Podcasts, Apple Music, RSS.com, Podcast Index and a host of other famous sites for extensive engagements.
Also, because this a promotional interview, there is a $50 appearance fee attached to it (payable to PEL). I apologize for coming into your Direct Form Contact. It’s not a must, you may decline if you want to. We are just trying to reach out to as many interested authors who are seeking for promotional interviews for their works.
Thank you,
Kenny Elisha.
Sue Coletta
Hi, Kenny. Thanks for the invite. I’ll think about it.
Harry Husted
I have a scene in my script, where a hacker stole the identity of an FBI agent. The hacker broke into the FED bank using the agent’s IP address. The FBI, along with Homeland Security got word from the Fed that the hacker trace went back to the agent’s computer.
How do I write in my script the scene where they come to her house and take her into custody? Do they arrest her, or just simply tell her she has to be brought in for questioning.
Thanks
Sue Coletta
Hi Harry. Sorry for the delay. I’m working on edits for one sequel while trying to finish another. First, you need a logical way for them to trace her hack. A skilled hacker knows to hide, especially if they’re brazen enough to frame an FBI agent (I write about hackers too, in my Mayhem series).
Absolutely, they’d arrest her. In effect, she’s been framing an FBI agent. Course, technically, it’d be a conflict of interest for the specific agent whose IP address she stole to be on scene. Jurisdiction is clear. FED insured banks are controlled by FBI, so you’re good there. If it were me, I’d have a different team arrest her, then once she’s on their turf, so to speak, the scorned agent tries to get involved. You’d have ample opportunity for conflict that way.
Hope this helps!
Harry Husted
I’m a bit confused by your answer, especially by paragraph two. Here is the story in a nutshell. Robin is the main character. She works for the Cyber division. She tracks down hackers. It’s sort of like Untraceable. One day, one hacker, she put away four years ago, gets off early. He wants revenge, so he uses hacker software to find and steal Robin’s IP address. He creates a file and stores Robin’s IP in it. He then hacks into the FED and uploads that file, while stealing 2 million. Then when the FED checks the file, they find the IP and trace it to Robin’s computer. My question is, does the FBI come to arrest her, as she is one of them, or do they have the local police arrest her on suspicion of hacking the Fed. Also, is it realistic to give Robin three days to find the hacker, as I did in my script?
Sue Coletta
Oh, okay. I misunderstood. Yes, the FBI would arrest her, especially because she’s one of them. They handle all federal crimes, which includes crimes involving FBI employees. A skilled cyber crimes specialist could find a hacker in three days. These days, they have all kinds of tools to trace a hack. Traceroute, for example. Have you ever taken a hacker course? They have free ones all over the web. Might be a good idea since your main character works with cyber crimes.
Harry Husted
Might be a good idea. Do you like my idea? Do you think it has merit? What about this idea? Robin is a computer programmer, whose father was killed because he uncovered corruption at the company he worked for. So in turn, she gets revenge on the system, by spying on the company. She gets hurt. She can’t work anymore, so she hacks the company at home. She is caught and told to stop or she and her mother will die.
I was thinking of doing the hacker story first, and then writing a script about Robin spying on the company. What do you think?
Sue Coletta
Honestly, I say go with your gut. I can’t help you there. As it is, I’m swamped with work, with a deadline tomorrow. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Best of luck!
Martin longoria
Looking for a writer I have a story unsolved murder case .can you point me the right direction where to go with this .
Sue Coletta
Do you mean, you want to hire a ghostwriter, Martin? Or simply make a writer aware of the cold case? The former requires payment from the person who hires the ghostwriter. When I know your objective, I can better answer your question.
Dawn Haegele
Sue,
Your blog and website are excellent resources. Thank you.
Sue Coletta
Thank you, Dawn. Appreciate the kind words.
EVE ANDERSON
In my mobile doesn’t appear a pop-up or menu, so when you disconnect the thing from Word Press, I’ll be Out!!!? I don’t want to miss a single letter of what you wrote.
HELP??????
Sue Coletta
Don’t worry, Eve. I left a link on the post, but here it is again: http://eepurl.com/bOcaWf
I’m delighted you like the blog so much. Thank you!
Hemangini
You are so right about so many ways to learn… I am exploring that aspect of life slowly but don’t get much time… Crime thriller? Awesome!
Sue Coletta
I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors, Hemangini. Happy Spring!
Ajit
great personality. Criminals are part of our society and they will . We need to know about him and why they do so. By doing this we can provide safe world.
Sue Coletta
Agreed, Ajit. Thanks for your comment.
Eve Anderson
Subscribe me to your blog & page I love mysteries, thrillers, murders, pshycological bends..
Sue Coletta
Hi Eve, I just added you to the blog. You’ll get an email with your info. If you have any problems, let me know. I used the beginning of your email address as your user name.
M.L.Kappa
Hi Sue! Great blog! Landed here via Janice’s blogging tips… I write a blog about life in Greece, but have completed a mystery novel, which is not getting anywhere much with agents so far… I will browse through your blog at leisure, taking in all useful bits of info!
Sue Coletta
Thank you, M.L. So nice to have you here. Browse away. Let me know if I can help with anything.
Debby Gies
Awesome to connect with you Sue. 🙂
Andrè M. Pietroschek
Greetings Sue,
I came here via the website of Ben Sobieck. I am just one of his readers, and only a hobby-author myself. And not a crime writer at all, except for the roleplaying potential of ‘World of Darkness – Slasher’ maybe.
I appreciate your comment on animals deserving the right to live in dignity. Really.
I wish you good luck and all the inspiration you may need.
Goodbye.
Sue Coletta
Thank you, Andre. That’s very sweet that you took the time to comment. Hope you’ll come back and visit.
Cheers,
Sue
Andrè M. Pietroschek
Of course. 😀
blondeusk
Doh – just seen your email address!
Sue Coletta
And I should have read this comment first. Ha!
blondeusk
Hey Sue, how do I contact you as I have this guest blogger post for you?
Sue Coletta
sue@suecoletta.com
Looking forward to it!
David J Delaney
I’ve just nominated you for the ‘One lovely Blog’ award. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and thought I would send this through to you (o:
http://davidjdelaney.wordpress.com/2014/09/25/one-lovely-blog-award-o/
suecoletta
That is so nice of you! Thank you so much. I’m honored and humbled by your generosity.
haitham
My name is Haitham painter of children’s stories and cartoonist and graphic designer newbie
Search for jobs in the field of children’s stories and drawing the cover of the book, because I have no money with me poor
I need any work, because I am a very poor
I live in Egypt
Possible help to me and I am looking for work in the field of children’s stories drawing
suecoletta
I would help you if I could. However, I am not a children’s author. I wrote children’s books years ago. Now I concentrate on crime novels.
I wish you good luck in your endeavors.