Georgette Heyer was an English novelist renowned for her works in the Regency romance and detective fiction genres. Her illustrious writing career commenced in 1921 when she transformed a tale intended for her ailing younger brother into the novel The Black Moth.

In 1925, Heyer married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. The couple resided in Tanganyika Territory and Macedonia for several years before returning to England in 1929. Her novel, These Old Shades, gained popularity despite being released during the General Strike, convincing her that publicity was unnecessary for successful sales. Famed for her privacy, Heyer refused interviews, stating, "My private life concerns no one but myself and my family."

Heyer essentially established the historical romance genre and its subgenre, Regency romance. Drawing inspiration from Jane Austen, she ensured authenticity by collecting reference works and maintaining comprehensive notes on Regency life. Her meticulous attention to detail was both praised and critiqued by reviewers.

From 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller annually. Her husband often sketched the basic outlines for her thrillers, while Heyer developed character relationships and dialogue. Though some critics considered her detective novels unoriginal, others applauded them for their wit and well-woven plots.

Her success was marred by tax issues and alleged plagiarism. Choosing not to pursue legal action against literary thieves, she explored various ways to minimize tax liabilities. Heyer paused her "magnum opus" trilogy on the House of Lancaster to focus on more commercially viable works. In 1966, she sold her company and the rights to seventeen novels to Booker-McConnell. She continued writing until her passing in July 1974, with 48 novels still in print at the time. Her last book, My Lord John, was published posthumously.