Maisie Thomas is a bestselling author, particularly known for her Sagas fiction. She was born and raised in Manchester, United Kingdom, which later became the inspiration for her Railway Girls novels. Growing up in Manchester, Thomas developed a deep appreciation for the city and its rich history. This love for her hometown is reflected in her writing, as she brings to life the stories of strong female characters set in times when women had to show determination and vision to make their mark.
Thomas's work is influenced by her great aunt, Jessie, who worked as a railway clerk during the First World War. This family connection, combined with her personal interest in railways, led Thomas to create the Railway Girls series, which has become a fan favorite. The series explores the lives of brave women and girls who worked on Britain's railways during World War II, shedding light on their unique experiences and challenges.
In addition to writing as Maisie Thomas, she also publishes work under the names Susanna Bavin and Polly Heron. As Polly, she writes the 1920s saga series, The Surplus Girls. As Susanna, she has written four stand-alone sagas and is working on a new World War II saga series, The Home Front Girls, with the first three books set to be published in 2024. Thomas currently resides on the beautiful North Wales coast with her railway enthusiast husband, Kevin, and their two rescue cats. They often enjoy holidays exploring the UK's heritage steam railways, with a particular fondness for the Severn Valley Railway.