Hazel Holt

Hazel Holt is a highly respected British novelist, best known for her "Mrs. Malory" series of books. Born and raised in England, Holt received her education at the prestigious King Edward VI High School for Girls in Birmingham and later at Newnham College, Cambridge. After completing her studies, she began her professional career at the International African Institute in London. It was during her time at the Institute that she first became acquainted with the novelist Barbara Pym, whose biography she would later write. Holt also had the distinction of finishing one of Pym's novels after the author's death.

Hazel Holt did not begin her writing career until later in life, publishing her first novel in her sixties. Despite this late start, she quickly established herself as a leading crime novelist and gained a wide following of devoted readers. Holt's writing is characterized by her keen eye for detail and her ability to create complex and engaging characters. Her "Sheila Malory" series, which follows the adventures of a widowed bookshop owner who becomes an amateur detective, is particularly beloved by fans of the genre. The series, which includes over a dozen books, has been praised for its wit, intelligence, and insight into the human condition.

In addition to her work as a novelist, Hazel Holt has also made significant contributions to the world of literature as a biographer and editor. Her biography of Barbara Pym, titled "A Lot to Ask: A Life of Barbara Pym," is widely regarded as one of the definitive works on the author's life and career. Holt has also edited several collections of Pym's letters and essays, providing valuable insight into the mind of one of England's most treasured writers.

Hazel Holt's son, Tom Holt, is also a successful novelist, further cementing the family's literary legacy. Despite her many accomplishments, Holt remains a humble and down-to-earth individual, always eager to engage with her readers and discuss her work. Her contributions to the world of literature have been widely recognized, and she continues to be a beloved and respected figure in the literary community.