Let's make this birthday one to remember.

71 years old (Born on August 27, 1953)

Happy Birthday, Joan! To our favorite mystery-maker and headline-grabber: your knack for digging deep into stories has kept us all intrigued—and occasionally suspicious—of any closed door or unexpected alibi. Your most recent exploits with the Loretta Lawson novels have brilliantly reminded both readers and shady fictional criminals that journalism really isn't just about deadlines, but also unmasking secrets (and making it look wonderfully effortless).

Another marvelous year of sharing gripping narratives is officially in the books—or should we say newspapers? Here's wishing you a celebration filled with intrigue, laughs galore, zero deadlines looming overhead, and plenty of cake-fueled inspiration!