S.J. Parris

S. J. Parris is a pseudonym for British author Stephanie Merritt. Born in 1966, Merritt studied theology at Oxford and worked as a teacher before becoming a full-time writer. As S. J. Parris, Merritt has gained acclaim for her historical crime novels set during the reign of Elizabeth I. Her debut novel, "Heresy" (2005), introduced Giordano Bruno, a radical philosopher and astronomer who becomes embroiled in a treacherous world of spies and secret societies. Subsequent books in the series, including "Sacrilege" (2006), "Prophecy" (2007), and "Treason" (2008) have garnered critical praise for their vivid historical detail, intricate plots, and complex characters. Merritt has received several awards for her work, including the CWA Historical Dagger Award for "Heresy" and "Sacrilege". Her novels have been translated into over 30 languages and have been praised for their innovative approach to historical crime fiction, bringing the Elizabethan era to life with both accuracy and intrigue.