Caroline Lawrence

Caroline Lawrence, born in London in 1954, is an author of children's historical mystery novels. Her American parents returned to the US shortly after her birth, and she was raised in Bakersfield, California. She pursued classical studies, earning degrees from Berkeley and Cambridge, and later a Master's in Hebrew and Jewish Studies from University College London. Before her writing career, she taught Latin, French, and Art in a London primary school.

Lawrence is most recognized for "The Roman Mysteries" series, which began with "The Thieves of Ostia" in 2001. This series follows four young detectives in Ancient Rome and has achieved significant international success, selling over a million copies in the UK and being translated into numerous languages. The series was also adapted into a television show by the BBC. She has since authored sequels, spin-offs, and companion books within this universe. Her other notable series include "The P.K. Pinkerton Mysteries," set in the American West, and "The Time Travel Diaries."

Caroline Lawrence's literary career is deeply informed by her academic pursuits. After studying Classics at Berkeley and Classical Art and Archaeology at Cambridge, she furthered her education with a Master's degree in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. This academic foundation is evident in her meticulously researched historical settings. Prior to becoming a full-time author, Lawrence worked as a teacher, imparting knowledge of Latin, French, and Art at a London primary school. Her dedication to classical education was recognized when she was appointed President of JACT (The Joint Association of Classical Teachers) in 2013, following in the footsteps of prominent academics and public figures. She has also contributed to educational resources, such as the University of Reading's "Romans Revealed" website, creating narratives based on archaeological findings.

Lawrence is celebrated for "The Roman Mysteries," a successful series of children's novels set in the ancient Roman world. The first book, "The Thieves of Ostia," was published in 2001, launching a collection of 17 books that have garnered international acclaim, translated into 14 languages and selling over a million copies in the UK alone. The series was adapted into a television program by the BBC. Beyond the main series, Lawrence has expanded this universe with "The Roman Mystery Scrolls," "The Roman Quests," and numerous short stories and companion non-fiction volumes. These works offer young readers engaging historical narratives often centered around mystery and adventure, drawing heavily on the historical and archaeological context of the Roman Empire.

In addition to her extensive work on "The Roman Mysteries," Caroline Lawrence has explored other historical periods and genres. Her "P.K. Pinkerton Mysteries," also known as "The Western Mysteries," transports readers to Virginia City, Nevada, in the 1860s, offering a different historical backdrop for her mystery-solving protagonists. She has also ventured into time travel narratives with "The Time Travel Diaries" and has retold classical myths in "Tales from Virgil's Aeneid." Lawrence's writing extends to standalone works, including anthologies and a non-fiction guide on writing, "How To Write a Great Story." Her contributions demonstrate a broad interest in historical fiction and a commitment to making history accessible and exciting for young audiences.