Jean Fullerton was born into a large, East End family and grew up in the overcrowded streets clustered around the Tower of London. She believes that it is that background that gives her historical East London stories a distinctive authenticity. Reading Anya Seton’s book Katherine at school sparked her love of history. ‘Since then I have read everything I can about English history,’ she says, ‘but I am particularly fascinated by the 18th_and 19th_centuries and my books are set in this period. I just love my native city and the East End in particular, which is why I write stories to bring this vibrant area of London alive.’