Tessa Harris is a renowned English novelist, known for her historical mystery novels. She was born in Louth, Lincolnshire and studied History at Oxford. After completing her studies, Harris embarked on a career in journalism, starting with her hometown newspaper and then moving on to a newspaper in London where she became women's editor. She subsequently wrote features for Best magazine and eventually became its editor. Harris then spent two years working as deputy editor for the magazine Heritage.
After becoming a mother, Harris began working as a freelance journalist for several different publications. In 2000, she wrote a screenplay for a European screenwriting competition, which she won. The screenplay was set in 18th century London, and the research for which led her to creating her Dr. Thomas Silkstone character. Harris's interest in history, particularly this time period, is evident in her writing, as she brings the past to life through her vivid and engaging stories.
According to Harris's website, she has always been fascinated by history, and this love of the past is reflected in her writing. She has a particular interest in the 18th century, and her research into this time period led her to create the character of Dr. Thomas Silkstone, an American anatomist and the world's first forensic scientist. Harris has used this character in her book "The Dead Shall Not Rest," which explores the beginnings of forensic science, anatomy, and surgery. The book is well-researched and emphasizes the challenges faced by anatomists of the time in obtaining bodies for dissection, as well as the illegal trade in dead bodies that resulted from this.
Harris's career as a journalist and editor has provided her with a strong foundation for her writing, and she has used her skills to create engaging and informative stories that bring the past to life. Her love of history and her attention to detail have made her a popular and respected author in the field of historical mystery novels.