Susan Ericksen


Susan Ericksen is an American actress and audiobook narrator.

Early life and education

Born in Illinois, Susan Ericksen earned her Bachelor of Arts at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she began her acting career. Ericksen pursued her Master of Fine Arts in acting at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she met her husband, David Colacci.

Audiobook narration

Ericksen has narrated over 800 audiobook titles, and has said she applies her theatrical experience to her audiobook narration. She has worked with various audiobook producers, including Brilliance Audio, Tantor Media, and BBC Audio. Her notable works include the In Death series by J.D. Robb and the V. I. Warshawski series by Sara Paretsky. In addition, Ericksen is an active member of SAG-AFTRA and contributes to its Audiobook Steering Committee.

Accolades and recognition

YearTitleAwardResultRef.
2025Bonded in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2022Desperation in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2022Abandoned in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2018Dark in Death by J.D. RobbAudie Award for Romance - Best Romance AudiobookWinner
2015The Abundance by Annie DillardAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2014Carthage by Joyce Carol OatesAudioFile Earphones Award - David Colacci and Susan EricksenWinner
2013Thankless in Death by J.D. RobbAudie Award for Romance - Best Romance AudiobookWinner
2013Critical Mass by Sara ParetskyAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2012The Nightmare Thief by Meg GardinerAudie Award for Thriller or Suspense - Best Thriller/SuspenseWinner
2012New York to Dallas by J.D. RobbAudie Award for Romance - Best Romance AudiobookWinner
2012Celebrity in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2012New York to Dallas by J.D. RobbAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2011Fantasy in Death by J.D. RobbAudie Award for Romance - Best Romance AudiobookFinalist
2010Body Work by Sara ParetskyAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2010Fantasy in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2010The Liar's Lullaby by Meg GardinerAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2009Almost Astronauts by Tanya Lee StoneAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2009Hardball by Sara ParetskyAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2009Kindred in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2009Promises in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2008Strangers in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2008L.A. Outlaws by T Jefferson ParkerAudioFile Earphones Award - David Colacci and Susan EricksenWinner
2007Born in Death by J.D. RobbAudie Award for Romance - Best Romance AudiobookFinalist
2007Last Known Victim by Erica SpindlerAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2006Origin in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Audie Award - Best Romance AudiobookWinner
2006Survivor in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Audie Award - Best Romance AudiobookFinalist
2006Survivor in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2004Naked in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2002Reunion in Death by J.D. RobbAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner
2002Savannah Blues by Mary Kay AndrewsAudioFile Earphones AwardWinner

Stage productions

Ericksen's stage career includes performances in regional theaters across the United States, such as The Cleveland Play House, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Baltimore Center Stage.

Hope Summer Repertory Theater

Ericksen has been involved with the Hope Summer Repertory Theater at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, both as an actor and director. Her performances include roles in productions such as A View from the Bridge, Annie and Hay Fever. She has also directed several plays for HSRT.
Ericksen’s acting and directing contributions for HSRT include:
YearRole/ContributionProduction
2017Actor: Beatrice CarboneA View from the Bridge
2017Actor: Miss HanniganAnnie
2015Actor: Judith BlissHay Fever
2014Actor: Dollie LeviThe Matchmaker
2013Actor: Margaret JohnsonThe Light in the Piazza
2011Actor: Marta 'Mama' HansonI Remember Mama
2010Actor: AgnesI Do, I Do
2008Actor: Sister Aloysius BeauvierDoubt: A Parable
2005Actor: Hannah FergusonThe Spitfire Grill
2003DirectorOnce Upon a Mattress
2002Actor: SamFully Committed
2001DirectorThe Wizard of Oz
1999DirectorThe Tempest

Personal life

Ericksen resides in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, with her husband David Colacci and their two children. The couple operates a professional recording studio from their home, where they do the majority of their audiobook work.