She holds a PhD in physics and most recently worked as a program manager for Microsoft's AI4Science and as a scientist in the European Space Agency's human spaceflight program. She's authored original scientific research, a patent, analytical reports for the US government and military, and coauthored a journal article with astronaut Thomas Pesquet. She lived and worked in Naples, Italy, as a civilian analyst embedded with the US Navy's mission in Africa, where she deployed aboard US and European naval ships. Originally from Utah, she now lives in The Hague, where she's working on the next Nikki Serafino novel.

"Children of the Savage City is the best kind of mystery: a classic whodunit that's modern, alive, and kicking. With precision and effortless prose, Heider brings to life a devastating crime, memorable characters, and the beautifully sinister city of Naples. You can feel the city's grit, smell the motorbike exhaust, taste the cornettos. I plunged into this book and didn't want to surface."
--I. S. Berry, author of The Peacock and the Sparrow

"Intricate plotting and a sprawling cast make for a slow burn at first, but the book's back half is a high-stakes, blood-soaked sprint that demands a sequel. Fans of gritty procedurals and international thrillers alike will be gratified."
--Publishers Weekly