J.D. Allen earned a degree in physical anthropology and a creative writing minor from The Ohio State University. Her mystery books include the Sin City Investigation Series, 19 Souls, and Skin Game, and she has short stories included in several anthologies. In the romance world, JD also published 11 books and novellas.

She's a past chair of the Bouchercon Convention National board and past president of the Triangle Chapter of Sisters in Crime.