Sharon Kay Penman was an American historical novelist, renowned for her meticulous research and captivating storytelling, particularly in her works about English and Welsh royalty during the Middle Ages. She was born on August 13, 1945, and passed away on January 22, 2021.

She gained acclaim for her Welsh Princes Trilogy and the Plantagenet series. Her first book, The Sunne in Splendour, is a stand-alone novel about King Richard III of England and the Wars of the Roses. Despite the initial manuscript being stolen, Penman rewrote the entire book, showcasing her dedication to her craft.

Penman also wrote four medieval mysteries, beginning with The Queen's Man, which was a finalist for the Best First Mystery Edgar Award in 1996. Her work was generally well received, with her later novels reaching the New York Times Bestseller List.

Aside from her writing, Penman held a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Rutgers University School of Law, later working as a tax lawyer. Her novels and mysteries are set in England, France, and Wales, and have been praised for their detailed settings and characterizations.

Penman passed away from pneumonia at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of historical novels cherished by many.