Susan Hanafee is an award-winning former journalist whose career as a reporter for The Indianapolis Star spanned three decades. She formerly headed communications for IPALCO Enterprises and Cummins Inc. She resides in Boca Grande, Florida.
Other Books by Susan Hanafee
Press
Local murder-mystery author shares insights with Bird Key group
MAY 18, 2026 (by Dana Kampa) —”Bird Key Women’s Association members heard from author Susan Hanafee at their latest meet-up.
Birds of prey circling overhead typically aren’t a sign of something good. But in the world of murder mysteries, they are the sign of an intriguing storyline about to unfurl.
At the Bird Key Women’s Association meet-up on May 13, attendees discussed the book “Scavenger Tides,” penned by author Susan Hanafee. They also took the chance to chat with the author herself, who joined the group to share insights into the characters and writing process.
The opportunity came about through Hanafee’s friendship with Bird Key resident Joan Love, who hosted the gathering. They connected while Love was working in the oncology department of the nearby hospital, helping coordinate visits from therapy dogs and similar activities.
“We enjoy one another’s company and are both authors, so we have a lot in common,” Love said when introducing Hanafee to the group.”
“The Case of the Missing Pork Chops: And Other Mostly True Stories and Commentaries”
Local author finds humor in life’s minor mishaps and moments
MAY/JUNE 2026 (by Anna Ridilla) — “Local author Susan Hanafee writes the way most people think but rarely admit out loud — funny, sharp and wryly
self-aware. Her blog posts read like a private diary, and in her new collection of essays, Hanafee invites readers fully into that internal monologue.
“From Jennifer Grey’s career-altering nose job to the unexpectedly fraught relationship with a furniture saleswoman, Hanafee turns everyday errands, obligations and passing observations into something quietly absurd and deeply relatable.”
Deadly Winds Named Finalist in 2026 American Legacy Book Awards™
April 10, 2026 — The American Book Fest™ has announced the winners and finalists of the 2026 American Legacy Book Awards™, recognizing outstanding works across a wide range of genres.
Author Susan Hanafee’s novel Deadly Winds has been named a finalist in the Mystery/Suspense: Cozy Mysteries category.
Deadly Winds is the third installment in the Leslie Elliott mystery series and is available in paperback and Kindle formats through major retailers, including Amazon and BookBaby.
Hanafee expressed her appreciation for the recognition, extending sincere thanks to the judges at American Book Fest™ for their consideration.
Boca Beacon Editor Interviews Susan Hanafee at the Johann Fust Library Foundation’s Island Book Blast
FEBRUARY 7, 2026 — In this interview with Boca Beacon editor, Garland Pollard, Susan shares insights into her former career as a journalist, her beginnings as an author, and her sources of inspiration.
Susan first started writing novels when she moved to Boca Grande, Florida from Indiana in 2012. Although her first book, Leslie’s Voice, is set in Indiana, her subsequent mystery novels featuring the Leslie Elliott character, as well as the witty anecdotes in her latest novel, The Case of the Missing Pork Chops, are heavily inspired by Boca Grande and the other places and people she encounters in Florida.
“There’s a lot of weird stuff going on in Florida all the time. …Because I’m not working, per say—I’m not going to a job—I have more opportunity to observe people, and to observe some of the crazy things that are going on. In mean, just spending a day in Boca Grande, I get ideas.”
Under the Sand Wins Second Place Award!
October 25, 2025 — We’re proud to share that Under the Sand has been awarded Second Place in the Fiction – Detective – Amateur Sleuths category by The BookFest!
In addition, Susan Hanafee’s website earned First Place in the Artistic & Technical – Website – Overall Design category.
Under the Sand is the fourth novel in the Leslie Elliott mystery series and is set on a small island in southwest Florida.
We’re honored by this recognition and extend our thanks to The BookFest judging team and committee!
Leslie’s Voice Recognized as Finalist in the Readers Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards
MARCH 3, 2025 (Reader Views)—”We are pleased to extend our congratulations on being one of the esteemed winners of the 2024-2025 Reader Views Literary Awards program. This achievement is a testament to your extraordinary talent and the innovative spirit you bring to the world of literature, especially within the vibrant community of self-published authors.
“The Reader Views Literary Awards were established to honor the talent and creativity of authors who publish independently—whether through self-publishing, small presses, university presses, or subsidy publishers. Our mission is to showcase fresh, compelling voices that contribute to the diverse world of literature.”
Under the Sand Named a Finalist in the 2024 American Writing Awards
NOVEMBER 2024—The riveting mystery/thriller Under the Sand by Susan Hanafee has been named a finalist in three categories of the 2024 American Writing Awards. The mystery about the kidnapping of two brothers was honored for excellence in the categories of mystery/suspense, general fiction, and cover design.
The American Writing Awards celebrated an unprecedented year, with a record number of submissions across 82 diverse categories, marking a remarkable testament to the vitality of modern literature.
The competition prides itself on providing a level playing field for authors of all publishing backgrounds. A panel of esteemed judges rigorously evaluates entries to select winners and finalists in each category.
Under the Sand is the fourth novel in the Leslie Elliott mystery series and is set on a small island in southwest Florida.
Leslie’s Voice Reviewed by Amanda Caswell for Reader Views
OCTOBER 2024—”Leslie’s Voice’ by Susan Hanafee is a powerful novel that hurls its readers into the high-stakes world of corporate America, where power plays, personal relations, and professional ambitions tie. Leslie Elliott is at the center of this story, an efficient public relations expert who struggles through her professional life under the newly appointed CEO, Brad Stewart. What begins as a deliberate, calculated professional move by Leslie soon becomes a battle of supremacy, both in the boardroom and in her personal life.”
Uncovering a new mystery by local author
JULY/AUGUST 2024 (by Anna Ridilla) — “A tiny island community in southwest Florida, which will feel very familiar to local readers, is thrown into chaos when the lone cell tower is blown up and the bridge to the mainland is disabled. This is what commences a series of events in the fast-moving thriller, “Under the Sand: A Leslie Elliot Mystery” by Susan Hanafee.”
You’re Invited to a Party in Susan Hanafee’s Mind
JUNE 16, 2024 — Read this interview with Susan Hanafee by Donald Liebenson on Kirkusreviews.com!