The Night of Four Hundred Rabbits

Barbara Mertz, who is Barbara Michaels and Elizabeth Peters, holds a Ph.D. in Egyptology from the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. Her first published works were nonfiction books on Egypt. Her first novel, also her first Barbara Michaels novel, was The Master of Blacktower, a mystery. Barbara Michaels writes thriller and mysteries, many with supernatural elements, including The Grey Beginning and Here I Stay.

Elizabeth Peters writes primarily mystery/suspense, most notably the Amelia Peabody, Vicky Bliss, and Jacqueline Kirby titles. Books under the Peters name include: The Copenhagen Connection, The Jackal's Head, Die For Love, The Ape Who Guards the Balance, Trojan Gold, and Lord of the Silence.

Barbara Mertz has been President of the American Crime Writers League and a member of the Board of Governors of The American Research Center in Egypt. She has been named a Grandmaster by the Mystery Writers of America. She lives in Maryland.