Laurell K. Hamilton is a highly acclaimed American author, born as Laurell Kaye Klein on February 19, 1963, in Heber Springs, Arkansas. She spent her formative years in the small town of Sims, Indiana, with her grandmother. Hamilton has made significant contributions to literature, particularly in the genres of horror, science fiction, fantasy, romance, and erotica. She is best known for her two popular series: the Anita Blake series and the Merry Gentry series.
The Anita Blake series, which includes over 20 novels, follows the protagonist Anita Blake, a vampire hunter, and her supernatural adventures. This series has gained immense popularity, becoming a New York Times bestseller and selling over 6 million copies worldwide. Hamilton's writing style is a captivating mix of mystery, horror, magic, fantasy, and romance, which has resonated with readers and critics alike.
In addition to her successful novel series, Hamilton has also written several standalone novels and one Star Trek: The Next Generation novel. She has further expanded the Anita Blake universe through a spin-off comic book series published by Marvel Comics. Hamilton's extraordinary talent has earned her a reputation as one of the leading writers of paranormal fiction, and she continues to write full-time from her home in the suburbs of St. Louis.
Living near St. Louis with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and an ever-fluctuating number of fish, Hamilton maintains a balanced life despite her demanding career. Her literary accomplishments and the enduring popularity of her series have solidified her position as a prominent figure in contemporary paranormal and urban fantasy literature.