Heyer, Georgette (1902-1974), was an English novelist who gained fame for her mystery stories and her historical fiction. Heyer wrote 56 novels.
Heyer wrote 12 mystery novels, starting with Footsteps in the Dark (1932). Like many other English mystery writers of the 1930’s, she used a background of upper-class British life, challenging the reader to spot the murderer among a colorful cast of suspects. Several of her mysteries feature Superintendent Hannasyde and Inspector Hemingway, both Scotland Yard detectives.
As a historical novelist, Heyer specialized in the Regency, the period from 1811 to 1820 in English history, when the Prince of Wales, later King George IV, served as regent (temporary ruler). Heyer’s first Regency novel was Regency Buck (1935). She became a respected authority on the Regency, and her novels have been praised for their authentic detail. Heyer was born on Aug. 16, 1902, in London. She died on July 4, 1974.
