Sharon (S.J.) Bolton is a highly regarded British author, best known for her police procedural, thriller, suspense, and gothic fiction novels. Born in Lancashire in the North of England, Bolton spent her early career in marketing and public relations before transitioning to a full-time writing career. She has since become a mother and a successful author, living with her family near Oxford, England.
Bolton's writing is particularly known for its focus on female protagonists and its roots in detective fiction. Her Lacey Flint series is a prime example of this, offering a thrilling and suspenseful look into the life of a London-based detective. Bolton's ability to create complex and engaging characters has earned her a reputation as a master of the genre, and she has been shortlisted for several awards for her work.
In addition to her Lacey Flint series, Bolton has written a number of standalone novels that have also received critical acclaim. Her novel Awakening, for example, won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for Best Thriller in 2010. Bolton's writing is not only praised for its suspenseful storytelling, but also for its ability to confront and explore darker themes. As Bolton herself has said, her writing helps her to face up to her own demons, and this depth of emotion is evident in her work.
Beyond her writing, Bolton is also known for her love of animals and the outdoors. She and her family share their home with a lop-eared lurcher named Lupe, and Bolton can often be found walking the dog or tackling the ever-looming publishing deadlines that come with being a successful author. With her unique blend of suspenseful storytelling and rich character development, Bolton has established herself as a true master of the crime fiction genre.