Michelle Moran

Michelle Moran is an American author best known for historical novels centred on influential women whose lives were shaped by political upheaval, royal ambition and social constraint. A native of California, she studied literature at Pomona College and later earned a master’s degree. Her experience working on archaeological excavations helped inspire her interest in historical fiction and the reconstruction of past societies.

Her novels include Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, Cleopatra’s Daughter, Madame Tussaud, The Second Empress, Rebel Queen, Mata Hari’s Last Dance and Maria. Moving from ancient Egypt and imperial Rome to revolutionary France, nineteenth-century India and twentieth-century Austria, Moran combines extensive historical research with accessible narratives focused on women navigating power, conflict and changing political worlds.