Karen Cleveland

About the Author

Karen Cleveland is a former CIA analyst whose gripping thrillers draw directly from her years of experience in intelligence operations, blending high-stakes espionage with the personal toll of secrecy. After serving in the Counterterrorism Center and the Office of Russian Affairs, she transitioned to writing full-time, capturing the shadowy world of national security with authenticity and tension. Her debut novel, Need to Know, became an instant bestseller, praised for its pulse-pounding plot and relatable protagonist navigating impossible choices. Cleveland resides in Maryland with her family, where she continues to explore the intersections of duty, family, and deception in her work.