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I was born in North London to parents of chiefly English, Scottish and Irish descent. For reasons best known to my father, the family relocated several times from English country town to English country town, then ending up in South Wales when I was eight. I graduated from Chichester University (when it was then Bishop Otter College) before making my home in Gloucestershire, and then Dorset where I have lived since 2005.

Somehow or other (despite every intention to avoid it) I ended up being a career civil servant and met my husband in an office in Gloucestershire (he was equally surprised to find himself in a career he hadn’t set out to have). We have two adult children who are both pursuing creative careers, e.g. they’re almost always short of money but as my husband and I are now partially retired, it’s hard luck.

I write, chiefly but (not exclusively) mystery fiction and generally have several writing projects underway. I also give illustrated talks about Victorian and Edwardian women’s history discussing the amazing – and sometimes bizarre – achievements of women who have largely been overlooked, forgotten or written over. If you’re interested please check out my Events page to see if there’s a talk coming up, or if you want me to come and give one – get in touch.

On a lighter note I like to explore the idea of parallel worlds which might occasionally cross into ours; to find humour and delight in the world around us and to strive for positivity. After all, as a child, I was certain that if I just looked in the right place, I’d find a real dragon. I’m still looking, but I know they’re out there somewhere and it’s only a matter of time. In the meanwhile, I try to butter them up by including dragons somehow or other in almost everything I write (even if it’s just a reference).

I hope you enjoy my website – you’ll find random thoughts, short fiction, character interviews, author interviews, what might be broadly called verse and information about my books of course! Please look around and why not sign up for my newsletter? Book offers, odd bits of historical trivia and more!

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any material from this blog without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Paula Harmon and Paula Harmon Downes with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.