Porter, MJ

I'm an author of action-filled historical fiction (Early English/Saxon, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest) as well as five 20th-century historical mysteries and historical romantasy.

I was born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building, told from a very young age that it housed the bones of long-dead kings of Mercia and that our garden was littered with old pieces of pottery from a long-ago battle, it's little wonder that my curiosity in Early England ran riot. I can only blame my parents!

I like to write. You've been warned!

Not sure where to start your journey through Saxon/Early England? The Dark Age Chronicles trilogy will take readers back to the very beginnings of Saxon England before the creation of Mercia and the other kingdoms. The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles, featuring our reluctant hero, Icel, will introduce you to the best Saxon kingdom of all, Mercia!

My first non-fiction book, The Royal Women Who Made England, is now available in hardback and ebook. I’ve also fictionalised the lives of many of these women. Start with The Lady of Mercia's Daughter, or The First Queen, if you want to read about queens, politics and the lost women of Saxon history.

Looking for my quirky 20th-century mysteries? The Erdington Mysteries and Cragside, a standalone 1930s murder mystery, are the titles for you.

Historical Romantasy fan? Check out The Ice and Fire Series, starting with Dragonbound, releasing in September 2026.

Happy reading:)