Sandra Scoppettone is a mystery writer. She was raised in South Orange, New Jersey. In the 1960s, Scoppettone collaborated with Louise Fitzhugh, on two books. She began writing her own young adult novels in the 1970s. Her book, Trying Hard to Hear You, was one of the first young adult novels to feature a lesbian character. Scoppettone's 1976 novel, The Late Great Me, dealt with teenage alcoholism and was made into an Emmy winning television special. Another book, Playing Murder, was nominated for a Edgar Award. Scoppettone's first three mysteries for adults were written under the pseudonym Jack Early. Her book, Everything You Have Is Mine sparked an ongoing series.