Elly Griffiths

Elly Griffiths is a true woman of mystery. Born Domenica de Rosa—the name under which she began writing fiction—it was only after switching genres that she adopted the alternate identity that has become familiar to readers the world over.

- John B. Valeri

And yet it almost didn’t happen, despite a seemingly obvious trajectory.

She studied English at King’s College London, worked in a library, and wrote for a magazine. Then she joined HarperCollins, where she served as both a publicity assistant and, later, editorial director for children’s books. An impressive pedigree for sure—but one that nearly stymied her writing career.

“I loved working in libraries and in publishing but, in a way, it put me off writing. I loved being an editor, but publishing is a very commercial world and you do end up seeing books in terms of whether they will make a profit or not,” Griffiths said. “It wasn’t until I was on maternity leave expecting my twins (21 years ago!) that I remembered that what I really wanted to do was write.”

And write she did. First came kids’ books. Then her debut for adults, The Italian Quarter, was published in 2004. That book was shortlisted for the Pendleton May First Novel Award, and three more followed before mystery came calling.

“My first four books were published under my own name and were about Italy, families, and relationships,” she said. “When I wrote The Crossing Places my agent said I should get a ‘crime name’ because Domenica de Rosa sounded too romantic— as well as made up!”