Clare Francis is a British author renowned for her bestselling mystery fiction and gripping thrillers. Her debut novel, "Night Sky," published in 1983, became an international success, topping the Sunday Times bestseller list and spending six weeks in the New York Times top 10. She followed this with acclaimed thrillers such as "Red Crystal," "Wolf Winter," and "Requiem" (published in the U.S. as "The Killing Winds"). Transitioning to crime fiction, she released "Deceit" in 1993, which was later adapted for television. Her works, including the literary novel "Homeland" and her latest crime novel, "Unforgotten," have been translated into 20 languages and published in over 30 countries.
Before her fiction career, Francis gained recognition for her nonfiction works chronicling her sailing adventures, including "Come Hell or High Water," "Come Wind or Weather," and "The Commanding Sea." Her passion for sailing led her to compete in prestigious races, including the Whitbread Round the World Race. Born in Surrey, she developed a love for landscapes during childhood summers in the Yorkshire Dales and the Isle of Wight, a theme often reflected in her writing. A graduate in Economics from University College London, she initially worked in marketing before pursuing writing full-time.
Francis has received numerous honors, including an MBE, and has served as Chairman of the Society of Authors and the Advisory Committee on Public Lending Right. She is also deeply involved with the charity Action for ME, serving as its President. Residing in London and the Isle of Wight, she remains an influential figure in both literary and philanthropic circles.