Kathleen O’Neal Gear

Kathleen O'Neal Gear (born June 19, 1954) is an American historical novelist and archaeologist. She has written over 25 novels, primarily set in the ancient Americas, and has received numerous awards for her work, including the Western Heritage Award and the Spur Award. Born in San Diego, California, Gear earned a degree in anthropology from California State University, Northridge, and later worked as an archaeologist for the Bureau of Land Management. Her experiences in archaeology inspired her to write historical fiction, and her debut novel, "The People of the River," was published in 1990. Gear's novels are known for their meticulous research and vivid depictions of ancient cultures. She has also written several nonfiction books about archaeology and history. Her work has been praised by critics for its accuracy, authenticity, and compelling storytelling. Gear's novels have been translated into over 25 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.