P.M. Carlson taught psychology and statistics at Cornell University before deciding that mystery writing was more fun. She has published twelve mystery novels and over a dozen mystery short stories. Her novels have been nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe Award, a Macavity Award, and twice for Anthony Awards given at the World Mystery Convention. Two short stories were finalists for the Agatha Christie award. She edited the Mystery Writers Annual for Mystery Writers of America for several years, and has served as President of the international organization Sisters in Crime.