Beth Underdown is a talented author who was born in Rochdale in 1987. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of York before moving on to the University of Manchester for her postgraduate education. Underdown's love for writing began while she was studying Creative Writing at the University of Manchester, where she is now a lecturer.
Before becoming an author, Underdown worked in various jobs, including waiting tables, working as a cookbook editorial assistant, and for an exam board. These diverse experiences have provided her with a wealth of knowledge and insights, which she has drawn upon in her writing. In her spare time, Underdown enjoys hiking and baking, and she finds comfort in reading Wolf Hall and the ghost stories of MR James.
Underdown's debut novel, "The Witchfinder's Sister," was published in 2017 and quickly became a bestseller. The novel is a gripping tale of witchcraft and betrayal set in 17th century England. It tells the story of Alice Hopkins, who returns to her childhood home to find her brother, Matthew, has become the most feared witchfinder in England. The novel has been praised for its vivid historical detail, compelling plot, and complex characters. Underdown has since established herself as a skilled and imaginative storyteller, and her work has been compared to that of Hilary Mantel and Sarah Waters.
Underdown's success as an author is due in part to her meticulous research and attention to historical detail. She has a deep interest in the history of witchcraft and has drawn upon a wide range of sources to create a rich and authentic world in her novels. At the same time, she is not afraid to explore dark and difficult themes, and her work challenges readers to confront the complexities of human nature. Underdown's writing is characterized by its evocative prose, vivid imagery, and psychological depth, and she has established herself as a major voice in contemporary historical fiction.