Poisoned Pen Press

Poisoned Pen Press, founded in 1997 and now an imprint of Sourcebooks, is a leading publisher of mystery, crime, and thriller fiction. Known for its discerning editorial standards, the press publishes award-winning whodunits, psychological thrillers, historical mysteries, and procedurals from both debut and bestselling authors. Recent successes include Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid series, which has sold millions worldwide, alongside acclaimed works by Steven Cooper, Carrie Stuart Parks, and James L’Etoile. By reviving forgotten classics, expanding print editions of digital bestsellers, and embracing new subgenres, Poisoned Pen Press continues to deliver compelling stories that keep readers turning pages.

Poisoned Pen Press: Leading Publisher of Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Fiction

Poisoned Pen Press has earned a reputation as one of the premier publishers dedicated to mystery, crime, and thriller fiction. Founded in 1997 by Barbara Peters, owner of the famed Poisoned Pen Bookstore, and Robert Rosenwald, the press launched with a mission to champion high-quality crime fiction that might otherwise be overlooked by larger houses. What began as a small independent operation quickly gained credibility among mystery enthusiasts and industry professionals, establishing itself as a trusted home for both debut and established authors. Today, as an imprint of Sourcebooks, Poisoned Pen Press continues to thrive as a leader in the genre, combining its deep roots in crime fiction with the reach and resources of a top-ten U.S. publisher.

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A Legacy of Mystery and Thrills

Across nearly three decades, Poisoned Pen Press has developed a list that embraces the full spectrum of crime fiction. From classic whodunits and historical mysteries to gripping psychological suspense and contemporary thrillers, the press has consistently sought out authors who balance strong narrative drive with compelling character work. Its editorial standards have produced award-winning and bestselling books that keep readers coming back for more.

In recent years, the imprint has expanded its visibility through runaway successes. Most notably, Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid series, a psychological thriller phenomenon, has sold millions of copies worldwide and become a fixture on Kindle bestseller charts, demonstrating Poisoned Pen’s ability to turn high-quality suspense into global commercial hits. Alongside McFadden, the press has published acclaimed works by authors such as Steven Cooper (Desert Remains), Carrie Stuart Parks (Relative Silence), and James L’Etoile (Dead Drop), each contributing to the imprint’s reputation for delivering page-turners that resonate with a wide readership.

Beyond championing contemporary bestsellers, Poisoned Pen Press also distinguishes itself by reviving forgotten classics, reissuing overlooked gems in crime fiction, and introducing them to new audiences. This dual strategy of honoring the genre’s legacy while cultivating fresh, distinctive voices ensures the press remains both a guardian of mystery traditions and an innovator in thriller publishing.

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Joining the Sourcebooks Family

In 2018, Poisoned Pen Press became part of Sourcebooks, marking a pivotal moment in its evolution from a respected niche publisher to a globally recognized mystery and thriller imprint. The move provided access to Sourcebooks’ extensive distribution channels, advanced marketing capabilities, and data-driven strategies, significantly amplifying the reach of Poisoned Pen titles. As a result, its books are now more widely available across major retailers, independent bookstores, libraries, and international markets, connecting a larger and more diverse readership with its acclaimed catalog.

What makes this partnership unique is that Poisoned Pen Press has retained its editorial independence and genre expertise while gaining the scale and resources of one of the fastest-growing U.S. publishers. The collaboration has already fueled major successes, from breakout bestsellers like Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid series to expanded opportunities for both emerging and established authors. By combining Sourcebooks’ market agility with Poisoned Pen’s deep roots in crime fiction, the imprint has strengthened its role as a leading destination for readers seeking expertly crafted mystery and thriller storytelling.

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Partnering with Freida McFadden

A defining achievement for Poisoned Pen Press in recent years has been its partnership with Freida McFadden, the physician-turned-author whose psychological thrillers have become a global sensation. In late 2022, the imprint acquired print rights to 15 of McFadden’s titles, a portfolio spanning both her bestselling backlist and highly anticipated new releases. This acquisition marked a strategic expansion for Poisoned Pen Press, enabling it to bring McFadden’s work, previously dominant in digital formats, to readers who prefer physical editions.

The results have been transformative. McFadden’s The Housemaid series and other thrillers have consistently topped sales charts, with millions of copies sold worldwide and a devoted fanbase that continues to grow across formats. By reintroducing her earlier works alongside new releases, Poisoned Pen Press has amplified her visibility in bookstores, libraries, and international markets, solidifying her reputation as one of the most influential voices in contemporary suspense.

This collaboration demonstrates how Poisoned Pen Press leverages strategic acquisitions to align with reader demand while empowering authors to expand their reach. For McFadden, it has meant greater access to new audiences; for Poisoned Pen Press, it underscores its role as a driving force in shaping today’s psychological thriller market.

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A Bright Future for Mystery and Thriller Fans

Poisoned Pen Press has carved out a distinctive space by consistently anticipating where the mystery and thriller market is headed. Its editorial team is known for scouting fresh voices with bold perspectives while also identifying overlooked works that deserve renewed attention, giving readers access to both the next breakout author and the rediscovery of crime fiction’s hidden gems. This balance has positioned the imprint at the intersection of tradition and innovation, ensuring its catalog feels both rooted in the genre’s heritage and responsive to modern tastes.

Looking ahead, the press is expanding its reach into new subgenres and storytelling formats, from psychological thrillers that dominate digital charts to historical mysteries and procedurals that appeal to dedicated series readers. By investing in authors with long-term potential and leveraging Sourcebooks’ market insight, Poisoned Pen Press is well equipped to keep delivering compelling stories that engage readers across generations. Its forward momentum reflects not just the strength of its catalog, but its ongoing role in shaping how mystery and thriller fiction evolves in the years to come.