For many years I worked as a trumpeter and college music professor in the Boston area. Then I got in touch with my dark side and began writing crime fiction.  While teaching at Brown University and Berklee College of Music, I took a scriptwriting course at Emerson College and began writing my first novel. . A few of my favorite authors are Elmore Leonard, John Sandford (Prey series), Lisa Gardner and Patricia Cornwell (Scarpetta series). In 2001 I moved to New Orleans. I love the music scene (jazz and classical), the architecture, the climate but not the hurricanes), and the active writing scene. I still practice my trumpet every day and swim a mile twice a week, but I spend most of my time writing. ABSOLUTION, my first crime thriller, was named Best Mystery-Suspense-Thriller of 2009 by the Premier Book Awards. My series continued featurig relentless NOPD detective Frank Renzi. Diva came next. Then Natalie's Revenge, and most recently, Jackpot You can see more about them on my website, www.susanfleet.com, as well as samples of my solo trumpet CD, and my profiles of outstanding women musicians, jazz and classical. I am a member of Sisters in Crime (national and New England chapter), the National Association of Crime Writers, and I'm a charter member of IWBC (International Women's Brass Conference).  I hold a B.S. in Mathematics (with a music minor) and an M.ED. in Fine Arts.    

Two of my novels have won awards: Absolution, the Premier Book Awards 2009 Best Mystery-Suspense-Thriller. The Feathered Quill Book Awards named Natalie's Revenge Best Mystery of 2014.

Biographical entries published in Scribner's American Biography: Les Elgart, Carmen McRae (2000); Hazel Scott and Antonia Brico (1998-99); Oscar Levant, E. Power Biggs and Thomas Schippers (1994-1995)