Gabrielle Lord

Gabrielle Lord is a highly respected Australian crime writer, who has been described as Australia's first lady of crime. She was born on February 26, 1946, in Sydney, Australia, and has won two Ned Kelly Awards for her contributions to crime fiction.

Lord's journey to becoming a successful author was not straightforward. After working in various fields, including sales, teaching, and the public service, she started writing seriously at the age of 30. Her first two manuscripts did not find success, but her third one, "Fortress," was picked up internationally and made into a feature film starring Rachel Ward. Another novel, "Whipping Boy," was also adapted for the screen, featuring Sigrid Thornton.

Once Lord started writing full-time, she became known for her meticulous research and attention to detail. She believes that research is crucial to her writing process, stating, "Out of my contacts with experts (who are always far too modest to describe themselves that way) I get not only the fine-tuning necessary for today's savvy readers, but also wonderful incidents and images that enrich and enlarge my books." Lord's interests are simple, and she enjoys walking, meditation, singing, gardening, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Lord has now written fourteen adult novels and a novel for young adults. Following the completion of the "Conspiracy 365" series, she has plans to write another three adult novels and two more young adult books. Her work is highly regarded, and she is considered one of Australia's bestselling crime writers for adults.