Hilary Davidson is a accomplished author, known for her works in the mystery, crime, and thriller genres. She was born in Toronto, Canada, and later moved to New York City in 2001. Prior to her fiction writing, Davidson worked as a journalist. She has since authored several series and standalone novels, including the Lily Moore series and the Shadows of New York series. The first novel in the Lily Moore series, The Damage Done, won the 2011 Antony Award for Best First Novel.
In addition to her fiction writing, Davidson is also a skilled dress, textiles, and fashion historian and curator. She has completed a Masters in the History of Textiles and Dress at Winchester School of Art and has worked as a bespoke shoemaker. Davidson's curatorial work includes serving as the curator of fashion and decorative arts at the Museum of London, where she contributed to the museum's permanent gallery redevelopment and curated an exhibition on pirates. She has also worked as a freelance curator, historian, broadcaster, teacher, lecturer, consultant, and designer since 2012. Davidson's historical studies and curatorial work have earned her recognition as a Freeman of the City of London and a member of the Company of Arts Scholars, Dealers and Collectors.
Davidson has also published poetry under the name Hilary Gilmore. She has taught and lectured extensively at various institutions, including the University of Southampton, Central St Martins, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Glasgow. She is currently working on a PhD by publication at La Trobe University, Melbourne, on knowledge making and materiality in pre-modern dress. Davidson continues to write and publish fiction, with several novels and short story collections to her name. She is also a regular speaker at academic conferences and to the public.