Jenny O'Brien

Hello, and thank you for visiting my author page.

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I have published nine crime novels and three historical fiction novels, with my next book due for release in January 2027.

The Resistance Knitting Club is the first in a historical fiction series set during the Second World War, exploring remarkable stories of courage through what was once dismissed as "women's work." As a lifelong crafter, I have always been fascinated by the extraordinary ways these traditional skills were used during wartime.

The Secret Dressmaker is the next book in the series.

The Crocheter’s War is now available to pre-order. Out in January.

The Book of Lost Children is a standalone historical novel inspired by my 43 years as a nurse and by living for most of my adult life on the spectacular island of Guernsey.

My crime writing began with Silent Cry. Originally self-published, it reached number one in both the UK and the US before being acquired by a HarperCollins imprint. It introduces Detective Gaby Darin and is the first in a six-book police procedural series. Although the series begins in Pembrokeshire, the birthplace of my great-grandmother, it soon moves to North Wales, where I once lived and where much of my family still lives.

The Gaby Darin series, in order, is:

• Silent Cry

• Darkest Night

• Fallen Angel

• Lost Souls

• Buried Lies

• Cold Grave

The Puppet Maker is the first in my Irish-set crime series featuring Detective Alana Mack. Born in Dublin, I drew on many of my childhood memories while writing these novels.

The Alana Mack series continues with:

• Roses for the Dead

• Cage of Bones

When I'm not writing, you'll usually find me swimming in one of Guernsey's beautiful bays, reading, or crafting. If you'd like to see some of my projects, or share your own, I also have a dedicated Facebook page called The Resistance Knitting Club.

For news of upcoming books and behind-the-scenes updates, you can also visit my writing blog at jennyobrienwriter dot wordpress dot com.

(Page last updated 01/08/26)