Catriona McPherson

Catriona McPherson is a successful author of mystery and thriller novels, born in 1965 in Edinburgh, Scotland. She spent her formative years in the city and went on to study for her MA in English Language and Linguistics at Edinburgh University. Upon completing her studies, McPherson worked at the Edinburgh City Library before deciding to return to university to pursue a Ph.D. in semantics. However, during her final year, she opted to start her writing career instead of pursuing an academic job.

McPherson is best known for her Dandy Gilver series, which showcases her unique brand of historical fiction and comedy. The series, featuring a gently-born lady sleuth, has won numerous awards over the years, and McPherson has gained recognition for her ability to subvert traditional murder mystery tropes, creating something distinct and refreshing. Her writing is characterized by well-defined characters and a keen eye for detail.

In addition to her Dandy Gilver series, McPherson has also written modern psychological thrillers, primarily set in Scotland, as well as comedies set in a barely-fictionalized version of her home-town in California. She currently resides in Davis, California, with her husband, where she spends her time writing, gardening, cooking, baking, cycling, and running through walnut orchards.