Mandasue Heller is a British author, born in Cheshire, who moved to Manchester in 1982. She spent her childhood appearing in pantomimes, plays, and am-dram productions, as well as working as a singer for an Old Tyme Music Hall troupe. Her love for the stage continued into her adulthood, where she sang in various bands and toured working men's clubs. She even started appearing regularly in television shows such as "Boys From The Blackstuff," "Coronation Street," and "Brookside."
Heller's writing is heavily influenced by her experiences living in the notorious Hulme Crescents in Manchester for ten years. She began writing after temporarily quitting singing due to illness. Her novels draw inspiration from her time in the Crescents, providing a gritty and realistic portrayal of the area. Heller's writing style is reminiscent of Catherine Cookson, who also wrote about poverty, hardship, and abuse from the perspective of the victims and abusers.
Before becoming a writer, Heller was involved in the underground music scene in Manchester. She sang in cabaret and rock groups, seventies soul cover bands, and blues jam bands. Heller's passion for music is still present in her writing, as she often incorporates musical elements into her stories.
In addition to her writing and musical pursuits, Heller has also worked various jobs, including TV extra, barmaid, waitress, pharmacy assistant, and phone-line tarot card reader. She is a mother and grandmother, and her family is her world. Heller's books are a reflection of her twisted mind, and she hopes that readers will enjoy them.