Jemima Norton

Jemima Norton started writing when her children went to school. She wrote every afternoon in bound journals, and eventually the Hal Westwood Restoration Mysteries series was born. (For more on the series, see www.jemimanorton.com)

Jemima now lives in a tiny village on the edge of the Cotswolds of England with her husband and several cats. Her study overlooks the Malvern Hills and fields of sheep, and she draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape. There are English Civil War battlefields scattered throughout the region. The Battle of Worcester took place nearby, so the towns and villages in the books are based on real places in the Cotswolds. Her house was built in the 16th century and was visited by Sir Walter Raleigh. William Shakespeare is reputed to have staged his plays in a barn in the grounds of the manor. Her family has spent many years lovingly restoring the house and gardens.

Jemima has a passion for social history. She is fascinated by the details of everyday life in the past, and she strives to capture the voices her characters as authentically as possible. Jemima is also an avid gardener and enjoys visiting country house gardens around England.

For more information on the series visit: http://www.jemimanorton.com