Penny Hancock is a British author known for her psychological thrillers and explorations of family dynamics. She has published five novels, including "Tideline," which was selected as a Richard and Judy Summer Read, and "I Thought I Knew You," winner of the East Anglian Book of the Year for Fiction in 2019. Her works often delve into the darker aspects of human nature, blending suspense with intricate character studies. Hancock has also contributed articles on family and education to prominent publications such as The Guardian, The Independent, and the Times Educational Supplement.
Before becoming a novelist, Hancock taught English as a foreign language in Italy, Greece, and Morocco, later transitioning to primary education in London. She further expanded her writing career by creating graded readers for English language learners and developing a primary English course for Longmans. Her passion for storytelling was solidified through an MA in Creative Writing at Anglia Ruskin University, which led to the completion of her debut novel.
Hancock draws inspiration from the complexities of relationships and the hidden facets of personality, often finding her most compelling ideas while swimming in cold water. A mother of three and grandmother to three granddaughters, she continues to write from her home in Cambridge, balancing her literary pursuits with a deep interest in family dynamics and human psychology.