Marian Babson is the pen name of Ruth Stenstreem, an accomplished author born in Salem, Massachusetts. After residing in London for the majority of her life, she became well-known for her cozy mystery novels. Babson's career spanned various professions before she became a full-time writer, including working as a librarian, managing a campaign headquarters, and serving as a receptionist, secretary, and den mother for a commercial artists' firm. She also dabbled in editing, working for a machine knitting magazine, even though she could not knit herself.
Babson's work experience extended to the business sector as a temp, where she provided administrative support to architects, law firms, the British Museum, a Soho club, and even a visiting superstar. Additionally, she served as secretary to the Crime Writers' Association. Throughout her life, she developed a wide range of interests, including theater, cinema, art, cooking, travel, and cats, all of which influenced her writing.
Babson's first published work, 'Cover-Up Story,' appeared in 1971, and she went on to write 44 novels before her death in 2013. Her writing style, often described as "Murder Most British," features mild violence and amateur sleuths. She frequently reused certain characters, such as the publicity firm Perkins & Tate and a few aging actresses. However, each of her books can be read independently and in any order, making them accessible to a wide range of readers. The 1991 movie 'Bejewelled' is based on one of her novels, showcasing her talent for engaging storytelling.