About The Authors
Lady Harriet Taggart
Lady Harriet holds the legal title 'Lady of the Manor,' as defined under English law, and traces her ancestry to Charlemagne’s royal line.
A lifelong reader and devoted genealogist for over fifty years, Harriet has always had a passion for stories, whether they are buried in the past or found in the pages of a good book. She is the co-author of We Are Manx, a self-published family saga that explores her Manx heritage and the history of the Isle of Man in rich detail.
Harriet is also a photographer who prefers being behind the lens, a word lover addicted to word games, and a wooden jigsaw puzzle fanatic. She has traveled extensively, with a deep appreciation for history, diverse cultures, and the unexpected joys that can be found away from home. Her career spanned volunteerism, real estate, and systems administration, but now she happily devotes her time to more creative pursuits, supported and inspired by a large and loving family.
As she puts it: 'I’m old enough for Medicare, but not quite old enough to get a birthday card from King Charles—were I a Brit.'
The Witch of Godstow Abbey, written in collaboration with Dr. Peter Stephenson, marks her first (but hopefully not last) foray into historical fiction. With photography, she creates books of images; with storytelling, she creates images made of words.
Dr. Peter Stephenson
Dr. Peter “Doc” Stephenson is entering the realm of historical fiction after a 50-year career in technology during which he authored or contributed to over 20 books on computing, computer investigation, and computer security topics.
In addition to writing, Dr. Stephenson has been playing blues and Americana music for 70 years and it is through that performing, and after earning a PhD, that he was given the appellation, “Doc” by the owner of one of his performance venues.
While researching, Doc discovered several connections to Oxfordshire in England. Having visited Oxford several times and being employed by a UK company in nearby Malvern, it was only natural that he would set his tales in Oxfordshire. At the turn of the 21st century, Doc received his PhD from Oxford Brookes University so his academic experience in Oxford town sealed the deal and resulted in his first novel, The Whispering Dead of Rewley Abbey.
The Witch of Godstow Abbey is the second in the Murders in the Abbey series, written in partnership with Lady Harriet. The series follows the carryings-on in Rewley Abbey (Cistercian monks) and Godstow Abbey (Benedictine nuns) from the end of the 13th century to the dissolution of convents and monasteries by King Henry VIII in the 16th century.
Dr. Stephenson lives with two Savannah cats on a pond in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Starting a “new” career at the age of 80, Doc reckons that they have only about the next 20 years to finish the series and retire, again, perhaps this time to Oxford.
Snapshots & Shenanigans: Life with The Lady and The Doc. Click the pix for captions. More fun to come as new photos are added.
AVAILBLE NOW!
Continuing the series which began at Rewley Abbey, Book 2: "The Witch of Godstow Abbey" is set in Oxford, England, in the years 1299/1300, and revolves around the struggle between the local convent and a mysterious, terrifying local society. The lives of several sisters are in danger as they uncover a secret organization that commits unspeakable acts. Join the novices, nuns and courtly women who, bound together by fate, risk everything in the face of evil.
Get the newest book in the 7-book series with Author Autographs!