Carola Salisbury is the pseudonym of English author John Michael "Mike" Butterworth, known for writing gothic romance novels. Under this pen name, he crafted atmospheric tales that blended historical settings with romantic intrigue, establishing himself as a distinctive voice in the genre. Butterworth's versatility as a writer extended beyond romance, as he also authored well-received crime novels under his full name, including "The Soundless Scream" in 1967, followed by several others.
Originally trained as an artist at Camberwell College of Arts, Butterworth transitioned into writing after a brief stint as a tutor and salesman. His career took off when he joined Amalgamated Press (later Fleetway Publications) as a scriptwriter, where he contributed to adventure comics such as "Billy the Kid" and "Buffalo Bill." His passion for history informed much of his work, including the Napoleonic-era series "Max Bravo, the Happy Hussar" and the WWII aviation strip "Battler Britton." Later, he gained acclaim for scripting the science-fantasy epic "The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire" in Ranger magazine.
After leaving Fleetway, Butterworth pursued freelance writing, exploring multiple genres under various pseudonyms, including Sarah Kemp for additional romance works. His gothic novels as Carola Salisbury were praised for their rich historical detail and emotional depth. Butterworth passed away at the age of 62, leaving behind a diverse literary legacy spanning comics, crime fiction, and romantic storytelling.