Sharan Newman
Sharan Newman (born April 15, 1949 in Ann Arbor, Michigan) is an American historian and writer of historical novels. She won the Macavity Award for Best First Mystery in 1994. Biography. Newman's father was a USAF captain; her mother was a psychologist. In 1971 she both graduated from Antioch College and married Paul Richard Newman, a physicist. She also gained a master's in medieval literature in 1973 from Michigan State University and then doctoral work in Medieval studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Newman lectures widely in medieval history and lives in Oregon . Writing. Newman's first novels were a historical trilogy about Guinevere. Then she turned to mystery novels set in 12th-century France featuring Catherine LeVendeur, a novice in a convent run by Heloise – though she later leaves and marries. Awards. Newman's debut mystery, "Death Comes as Epiphany", won the Macavity Award for "Best First Novel" in 1994 and was also nominated for the 1994 Anthony Award and the 1993 Agatha Award in the same category. The novel was also nominated for the 1994 Dilys Award for the mystery title of the year which the "Independent Mystery Booksellers Association" booksellers  have most enjoyed selling. "The Wandering Arm" and "Strong As Death" also received nominations for Agatha Awards for "Best Novel" in 1995 and 1996 respectively.