Laura Lippman (born January 31, 1959) is an American journalist and author of over 20 detective fiction novels.

She is best known for writing a series of novels set in Baltimore and featuring Tess Monaghan, a reporter turned private investigator.

Lippman's works have won the Agatha, Anthony, Edgar, Nero, Gumshoe and Shamus awards.

What the Dead Know (2007), was the first of her books to make the New York Times Best Seller list, and was shortlisted for the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger Award.

The character Bunk is shown to be reading one of her books, In a Strange City, in episode eight of the first season of The Wire.

Lippman appeared in a scene in the first episode of the last season of The Wire as a reporter working in the Baltimore Sun newsroom.