SUJA SUKUMAR
YA Author of suspense novels featuring protagonists from the South Asian diaspora
Debut YA thriller WHEN MIMI WENT MISSING is a 2025 Anthony award nominee for Best YA/Children's novel.
The splintered relationship between two Indian American cousins is at the center of this dark, twisty YA mystery—perfect for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson, Karen McManus, and Angeline Boulley.
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Praise for WHEN MIMI WENT MISSING
Anthony award nominee for Best YA/Children's novel
She Reads Most Anticipated YA Thrillers of Fall 2024
“[A] heartstopping debut.”
—Teen Vogue
“Sukumar’s debut gives readers a glimpse into the harrowing world of social ostracism and the manipulation teenage girls often contend with. While it is a well-executed thriller, the book’s power is in the deep character exploration of Tanvi as a young woman finding her inner strength. Readers will be inspired by this story of resilience in the face of multiple traumas.”—Booklist
“A Pretty Little Liars-sized itch can be scratched for readers . . . [in this] heartbreaking missing person mystery.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
“This gripping psychological thriller will have readers suspecting everyone until the very last chapter . . . A quick and riveting mystery with fantastic representation.”
—Library Journal
“When Mimi Went Missing had me up all night missing sleep, but I had to find out what happened to Tanvi and her cousin. It’s a fast-paced, heart pounding, character driven story that’s perfect for thriller lovers. It’s hard to believe this is Suja Sukumar’s debut novel. A much needed addition to the YA crime fiction genre, she’s already been added to my must-read author list!”
—Kellye Garrett, award winning author of Missing White Woman
“When Mimi Went Missing is a sharp, twisty psychological thriller that delicately explores themes of grief and loss. Suja Sukumar has written an affecting debut that will stay with you long after reading. A gritty, heartrending story with an unpredictable ending!”
—Dana Mele, author of People Like Us and Summer's Edge
“Full of unpredictable twists and turns, When Mimi Went Missing gripped me from start to finish with nail-biting tight pacing and unreliable narration. Readers won’t be able to put it down!”
—Katie Zhao, author of How We Fall Apart
“A heart-pounding debut that will have you frantically turning pages until the very end as it keeps you guessing about what really happened that night.”
—Kelly deVos, author of Go Hunt Me
.“This book had me guessing to the very (shocking) end. I was hooked. Readers who appreciate stories with twisty narratives, mental health struggles, and immigrant family dynamics will definitely want to check this out.”
—Francesca Padilla, author of What’s Coming to Me
“When Mimi Went Missing is a chilling psychological thriller that delves deep into the bonds of sisterhood, grief, trauma, and loss. Suja Sukumar displays a real gift at portraying the complex dynamics between teen girls. A promising debut!”
—Tanaz Bhathena, award-winning author of A Girl Like That