Sarah Rayne is a highly regarded English author, best known for her psychological thriller novels. Born in 1947, Rayne attended a convent education where she developed a love for writing. She would go on to write plays that were performed by the Lower Third. After trying her hand at various jobs, Rayne found herself continually drawn back to writing. Her literary career took off in 1982 with the publication of her first novel. Since then, her work has been published in several countries, including Germany, America, and Holland.
In addition to writing under her own name, Rayne also uses the pseudonyms Bridget Wood and Frances Gordon. She is the daughter of an Irish comedy actor and was actively involved in amateur theatre for many years. Rayne's hobbies include theatre, history, music, and old houses, all of which have inspired her writing. Many of her novels are set in old buildings, and she has a particular interest in ghosts and ghost stories. Growing up in the 1960s, Rayne also enjoys good conversation around a well-stocked dinner table.
Rayne's first novel was published in 1982, and for several years, she balanced writing with a career in property. She would often work late into the night on her old typewriter to meet deadlines. Much of her inspiration comes from the histories and atmospheres of old buildings, which is reflected in many of her settings. Rayne has written over 30 books, and her work has received considerable acclaim, with Tower of Silence being long-listed for the 2005 Theakston's Award. Her books are also published in America and have been translated into several languages, including German, Dutch, Russian, and Turkish.
In 2011, Rayne introduced the characters of Michael Flint, an Oxford don, and Nell West, an antiques dealer, in Property of a Lady. These characters appeared in six haunted-house books, followed by a psychological thriller mystery series featuring the music historian and researcher, Phineas Fox. In 2023, Rayne launched the ‘Theatre of Thieves’ series, introducing the Fitzglens, a theatrical family who are also successful thieves. Rayne has also written six contemporary horror books and a fantasy series, all of which have been re-issued in e-Book format. To learn more about Sarah Rayne, visit her website or follow her on social media.