Diane Setterfield is an English author celebrated for her exceptional storytelling abilities. Her 2006 debut novel, The Thirteenth Tale, catapulted to the status of a New York Times No. 1 best-seller and earned her the 2007 Quill Award for Debut Author of the Year. Crafted in the Gothic tradition, the novel resonates with the influence of iconic works such as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. The television adaptation by Christopher Hampton, featuring Vanessa Redgrave, Olivia Colman, and Sophie Turner, aired on BBC2 in December 2013.

Setterfield's literary career continued with the publication of her second novel, Bellman & Black, in 2013, followed by her third, Once Upon a River, in 2018. Renowned for her storytelling, The Guardian has described her as a "mistress of the craft." Her work is not only known for its enthralling narratives but also for being a tribute to the pleasures of reading.

Prior to her writing career, Setterfield pursued French literature at the University of Bristol, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1986 and a PhD in 1993, focusing on "autobiographical structures in André Gide's early fiction." She has taught in various capacities before dedicating herself to writing full-time.

Born in Theale, Berkshire, Setterfield spent her formative years in the area, shaping the backdrop to her creative growth. Presently, she resides in Oxford, England, continuing to weave tales that captivate and enchant readers around the world.