Shari Lapena, born in 1960, is a distinguished Canadian novelist, renowned for her thrilling narratives that captivate readers worldwide. Before embarking on her illustrious writing career, Lapena honed her skills in the legal field as a lawyer and nurtured minds as an English teacher. Her literary journey commenced with the publication of her debut novel, Things Go Flying, in 2008. This novel not only marked her entry into the literary world but also earned her a spot as a finalist for the Sunburst Award in 2009, signaling her potential to be a significant figure in contemporary literature.

Lapena's second novel, Happiness Economics, further established her prowess by being shortlisted for the Stephen Leacock Award in 2012. However, it was her 2016 thriller, The Couple Next Door, that catapulted her to international fame, securing her place as a bestselling author both in Canada and internationally. In 2017, Lapena continued to enthrall her audience with A Stranger in the House, a novel that further solidified her reputation for crafting gripping narratives.