• “Life is a journey, and I may not have always lived up to my ability, but I have always lived purposefully, and I guess readers get caught up with me, raising the questions, looking for the answers, looking to be a little more understanding, a little less judgmental, a little more merciful. I hope so.”

    ― Carol Plum-Ucci, The Body of Christopher Creed

  • “Life is all we have, and if we can't look at it honestly, are we really living?”

    ― Carol Plum-Ucci, The She

  • “Complete happiness can look so much like complete terror that its hard to tell them apart.”

    ― Carol Plum-Ucci, What Happened to Lani Garver

The Mind Behind the Mystery

Carol Plum-Ucci is an award-winning author celebrated for her young-adult novels that delve into psychological suspense, mystery, and the intricacies of human nature. Her debut, The Body of Christopher Creed, received a Michael L. Printz Honor and multiple national accolades, establishing her as a powerful voice in contemporary YA literature. With its atmospheric tone and exploration of identity and social alienation, the novel resonated deeply with readers, paving the way for her career.

Following her debut, Carol went on to write six more novels, five of which received major awards. She has been twice nominated for the Edgar Allan Poe Award and earned numerous honors from the American Library Association. Her latest novel, Insane Possibilities, is her first mainstream release, crafted for readers of all ages who are drawn to dark, thought-provoking tales. Raised in a funeral home on a barrier island in South Jersey, Carol’s unique background brings a compelling edge to her storytelling, connecting with fans across generations.

Carol’s Acclaimed Works

Explore the thrill, mystery, and depth of her award-winning books, now available for purchase.

Awards & Recognitions

  • Winner, What Happened to Lani Garver

  • Finalist, Mystery Writers of America, The Night My Sister Went Missing

    Finalist, Mystery Writers of America, The Body of Christopher Creed

  • Nominee, American Library Association, YALSA, What Happened to Lani Garver

    Winner, American Library Association, YALSA, The Body of Christopher Creed

  • Black-Eyed Susan Award, Maryland Association of School Librarians, nominee, Streams of Babel

    Rhode Island Teen Book Award, Rhode Island Educational Media Association (RIEMA), nominee, Streams of Babel

    Book of the Year Award, South Carolina Association of High School Libraries, winner, The Body of Christopher Creed

    Gateway Reader’s Award, Missouri Association of School Librarians, honoree, What Happened to Lani Garver

    One Book New Jersey, New Jersey Library Association, young adult winner, The Body of Christopher Creed

    Iowa Teen Book Awards List, selected annually by Iowa students grades 6-9, honoree, What Happened to Lani Garver

    Gateway Teen Readers’ Award, Missouri Association of School Librarians; second place, The Body of Christopher Creed

    Top Ten Books for Young Readers, High School Level, Virginia State Reading Association (VSRA), honoree, The Body of Christopher Creed

    Rhode Island Teen Book Award, Rhode Island Educational Media Association (RIEMA), finalist, The Body of Christopher Creed

    Evergreen Award for Young Adult Literature, Washington State Library Association, winner, The Body of Christopher Creed

    Best of the Best List, Missouri Library Association’s Young Adult Services Interest Group (YASIG), honoree, The Body of Christopher Creed

  • Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, American Library Association, YALSA, honoree, What Happened to Lani Garver

    Best Books for Young Adults, American Library Association, YALSA, honoree, The Body of Christopher Creed

    Best Books for Young Adults, American Library Association, YALSA, honoree, What Happened to Lani Garver

    Quik Piks for Reluctant Readers, American Library Association, YALSA, honoree, The Night My Sister Went Missing

    Most Popular Paperbacks, American Library Association, YALSA, honoree, What Happened to Lani Garver

    Most Popular Paperbacks, American Library Association, YALSA, honoree, The Body of Christopher Creed

Get in touch with Carol

Whether you’re a fan with a question, a reader who wants to share your thoughts, or a member of the press interested in interviews or publicity, Carol would love to hear from you!

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