Sharon Kay Penman was an American historical novelist, celebrated for her meticulous research and vivid storytelling. She was best known for her Welsh Princes Trilogy and the Plantagenet series. Her novels and mysteries are set in England, France, and Wales, focusing on English and Welsh royalty during the Middle Ages. Her debut novel, The Sunne in Splendour, is a stand-alone piece about King Richard III of England and the Wars of the Roses.

In addition to her historical novels, Penman wrote four medieval mysteries, the first of which, The Queen's Man, was a finalist in 1996 for the Best First Mystery Edgar Award. Her work, often reaching the New York Times Bestseller List, was praised for its attention to detail and rich characterizations.

Penman was born on August 13, 1945, and she passed away from pneumonia on January 22, 2021, at the age of 75.