Lauren St John

Lauren St. John, born in December 1966 in what is now Zimbabwe, is an author recognized for her contributions to children's literature. Her upbringing on a nature reserve in Rhodesia significantly shaped her writing, with many of her stories drawing inspiration from this environment. After studying journalism, she relocated to London and pursued a career as a golf correspondent for The Sunday Times for nearly ten years.

St. John achieved notable recognition in 2011 when her book "Dead Man's Cove" received the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award. This novel, which features a young detective named Laura Marlin, is the first in a series. Beyond her literary work, St. John has also been actively involved with the wildlife charity Born Free Foundation, stemming from a school conservation project she initiated in 2009.

Born in December 1966 in Gatooma, Rhodesia, now known as Kadoma, Zimbabwe, Lauren St. John's formative years were spent on a nature reserve called Rainbow End's farm in Gadzema. This rural upbringing, beginning when she was eleven years old, profoundly influenced her literary career. The experiences and environment of the reserve became a central theme in her memoir, "Rainbow's End," and served as a wellspring of inspiration for many of her children's books.

Following her studies in journalism in Harare, St. John moved to London. She established a career as a golf correspondent for The Sunday Times, a role she held for close to a decade. Her breakthrough in children's literature came with "Dead Man's Cove," published in 2010, which earned her the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award in 2011. This mystery novel, introducing the character Laura Marlin, was also shortlisted for a Galaxy National Book Award. St. John has since authored numerous other books across various series and as stand-alone titles for children and young adults.

In addition to her writing endeavors, Lauren St. John has dedicated time to supporting wildlife conservation. Her involvement with the Born Free Foundation began in 2009 when she contacted the organization while managing a school conservation initiative named "Animals Are Not Rubbish." This engagement highlights her commitment to environmental causes, extending her influence beyond the pages of her books.