Fall Reads: A Little Local Love for Author Gregg Olsen

There’s something about fall that makes us want to slow down, settle in, and get lost in a really good book. As the days get shorter and the evenings get cozier, it’s the perfect time to grab a blanket, pour something warm, and add a few new reads to your nightstand.

This season, we're sharing a little local love for someone we're especially proud to call a friend: Gregg Olsen, bestselling author and fellow Pacific Northwest local!

Gregg is no stranger to the literary world. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, he has written more than 30 books, spanning gripping true crime, suspense, and fiction. His talent for storytelling has captivated readers around the country, but we're lucky to have him right here in our own backyard, calling Olalla, Washington home.

Well-Known Reads

If you're new to Gregg's work, these are a few great places to start. From real-life stories that are almost too unbelievable to imagine to suspenseful fiction, Gregg has a way of drawing readers in and keeping them there.

If You Tell

A #1 New York Times bestseller, this gripping true-crime story follows three sisters, their extraordinary bond, and the dark family secrets they fought to survive. It's powerful, heartbreaking, and the kind of book that stays with you long after the last page.

Starvation Heights

A chilling piece of Pacific Northwest history! Set in Washington in the early 1900s, this true story follows two sisters who traveled to a so-called health institute near Seattle, only to find themselves caught in a horrifying situation. It's a fascinating read for anyone who loves local history with an unsettling twist.

Water's Edge

For those who love a good thriller, this one delivers. When a young woman's body is discovered in a secluded cove, Detective Megan Carpenter finds herself unraveling a disturbing series of crimes, mysterious clues, and secrets that may hit closer to home than she ever imagined.

A Little Local Plot Twist: The Hive

Now, this is where things get a little more personal!

Gregg's novel The Hive takes place right here in the Pacific Northwest and follows police officer Lindsay Jackman as she investigates the murder of a young journalist found at the bottom of a ravine.

And yes, you read that right. Lindsay Jackman!

We happen to know a Lindsay Jackman pretty well around here, and while we're fairly certain Gregg had his own creative inspiration for this character, we can't help but get a little extra excited about this one. We'll leave it to readers to decide whether our own Lindsay has any detective instincts hiding up her sleeve!

With a murder mystery, a familiar name, and a Pacific Northwest backdrop, The Hive might just be our favorite conversation starter on this list.

Fresh Off the Press: 2026 Releases

Looking for something brand new to add to your fall reading stack? Gregg has been busy! 2026 brings several new true-crime releases, including a special father-daughter collaboration. Here are a few to put on your radar.

By the River's Edge

A haunting true-crime investigation set in Washington State. When three women are found murdered along the Spokane River, a decades-long search for their killer begins. But when investigators finally get a DNA match, the discovery leads to a shocking twist. A gripping story of identity, reinvention, and a case that remained unsolved for more than two decades.

Ordinary Wife (with Morgan Olsen)

This one is especially exciting! Gregg teams up with his daughter, Morgan Olsen, for their first father-daughter writing collaboration. Together, they uncover the chilling story of Lyda Trueblood, a seemingly ordinary wife accused of poisoning multiple husbands, family members, and even her own child. Known as America's "Lady Bluebeard," her story is as disturbing as it is fascinating.

The Back Bedroom: A True Story of Exorcism and Murder

A deeply unsettling true story rooted right here in Washington. In 1976, a three-year-old boy was found dead in the back bedroom of a Yakima home after a self-proclaimed religious leader convinced those around him that the child was possessed. Gregg examines the manipulation, abuse, and tragic events behind this heartbreaking case.

A Little Local Love Goes a Long Way

One of the best parts of living in the Gig Harbor area is being surrounded by such talented, creative, and interesting people. We're always happy to shine a light on the wonderful people who make this community special, and Gregg is certainly one of them.

So, as you settle into the cozier months ahead, consider adding one of Gregg's books to your fall reading stack. Whether you're drawn to true crime, local history, or a page-turning thriller, there's something here for everyone.

And if you pick up The Hive, you'll have to let us know what you think of our literary namesake.

Happy reading!

Lindsay Jackman

Lindsay Jackman | Realtor

Real Broker LLC
📞: 253 266 1067
📧: lindsay@lindsayjackman.com