Elsie Lee

Elsie Lee (1912–1987) was an American author best known for her romance novels and gothic fiction. Writing under various pseudonyms including Elsie Cromwell, Jane Gordon, and Lee Sheridan, she published numerous works that blended suspense with romantic elements. Her writing philosophy centered on crafting "fairy tales for grownups," with particular appeal to female readers through strong characterizations and atmospheric storytelling.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Lee came from a family with technical and artistic influences—her father worked as a telephone engineer while her mother maintained the household. This background may have contributed to Lee's disciplined approach to writing, as she emphasized maintaining high standards of vocabulary and grammar in her work. She believed authors should "TEACH subtly through entertainment," a principle reflected in her carefully constructed narratives that often featured cats as beloved recurring elements. Lee's career spanned several decades during which she established herself as a distinctive voice in romantic fiction.