Lisa Scottoline is joyful and light, seated in her bright home office outside Philadelphia on a chilly December afternoon. Blond hair pools on her shoulders to frame her often-smiling face. The spitfire’s lip gloss shines through the Zoom screen.

Her youthful energy belies her 65 years, but it has fueled her prolific and accomplished writing career. The bestselling author of 33 novels is known for fast-paced thrillers and humorous essays, which have had commercial success and received critical acclaim. Her storytelling has been described as gripping, propulsive, and unforgettable.