Marina Di Guardo has established herself as one of Italy’s notable contemporary thriller writers, blending emotional depth, suspense, and psychological tension in her novels.
While many people initially recognized her as the mother of social media personalities Chiara Ferragni, Francesca Ferragni, and Valentina Ferragni, Marina has built an impressive identity of her own in the world of literature.
Before fully dedicating herself to writing, Marina worked in the fashion industry as deputy director of the Blumarine showroom. Her years in fashion exposed her to creativity, elegance, and the complexity of human behavior, all of which later became recurring elements in her storytelling. However, her true passion eventually led her toward fiction writing, where she discovered the ability to explore darker emotions and intricate psychological themes.
Marina made her literary debut with L’inganno della seduzione. The novel introduced readers to her emotionally charged style and her ability to build compelling characters. Two years later, she released Non mi spezzi le ali, further strengthening her presence in the Italian literary scene. Although these early works showcased her storytelling talent, it was her transition into the thriller genre that marked a turning point in her career.
In 2015, Marina published Bambole gemelle in the digital series Zoom Filtri by Feltrinelli, curated by Sergio Altieri. The story demonstrated her growing fascination with suspense and psychological tension. This was followed by Frozen Bodies, a novel that confirmed her ability to craft gripping narratives filled with mystery and emotional complexity.
Her collaboration with Mondadori significantly expanded her readership. In 2017, she published Com’è giusto che sia, a thriller so successful that it was later optioned for a television series adaptation. Two years later came La memoria dei corpi (2019), which gained international recognition and was translated into several languages, introducing Marina’s work to readers beyond Italy. She continued her momentum with Nella buona e nella cattiva sorte and Dress Code Rosso Sangue in 2022, both of which explored themes of secrets, betrayal, and the hidden darkness beneath ordinary lives.
Among her more recent works, Quello che ti nascondevo (2023) stands out as a sophisticated psychological thriller that delves into concealed truths and emotional manipulation. Marina skillfully creates an atmosphere of tension while examining the fragile boundaries between trust and deception. The book received praise for its intense pacing and emotionally layered characters, reinforcing her reputation as a master of suspense.
Her latest novel, Braccata (2025), continues this trajectory with a gripping narrative centered on pursuit, survival, and psychological pressure. The title itself, which translates to “Hunted,” reflects the constant tension that drives the story forward. Through sharp characterization and carefully constructed suspense, Marina examines themes of vulnerability and resilience in a dangerous and unpredictable world. The novel highlights her continued evolution as a thriller writer capable of balancing emotional storytelling with cinematic tension.
Today, Marina Di Guardo is recognized not only for her connection to a famous family but also for her own accomplishments as an author. Her journey from fashion executive to acclaimed thriller novelist demonstrates determination, creativity, and a deep understanding of human emotions. Through novels filled with mystery, psychological depth, and suspense, she has carved out a respected place in modern Italian literature.
Photo credits: Cosimo Buccolieri