Picture a British storyteller who weaves dark, historical tales that pull you into the gritty streets of Victorian London or the misty moors of 19th-century Skye—meet Anna Mazzola! A former criminal justice solicitor turned award-winning author, Mazzola crafts historical crime fiction that blends meticulous research with psychological depth, earning her a devoted following among fans of gothic and literary mysteries.
With novels like The Unseeing and The Clockwork Girl, she doesn’t just tell stories—she resurrects forgotten crimes and voices from the past, making them resonate with modern readers. Let’s dive into the world of Anna Mazzola, where history meets heart-pounding suspense!
The Making of Anna Mazzola
Born in July 1978 in Croydon, Greater London, Anna Mazzola grew up with a foot in two worlds—her father’s Italian roots in Palermo and Naples, and her English upbringing. A love for literature led her to study English at Pembroke College, Oxford, before she pursued a legal career as a human rights and criminal justice solicitor. While on maternity leave, Mazzola began penning short stories, igniting a passion for fiction. She honed her craft at City, University of London’s Novel Studio, balancing law and writing until her debut novel took flight.
Influenced by literary giants like Sarah Waters and Daphne du Maurier, Mazzola’s work reflects a fascination with dark historical subjects and the societal impact of crime. Her legal background adds authenticity to her narratives, grounding her stories in the stark realities of justice and injustice.
Anna Mazzola’s Unforgettable Stories
Mazzola’s debut, The Unseeing (2016), is a gripping tale inspired by the real-life case of Sarah Gale, a woman convicted of aiding a murder in 1837 London. Praised by The Sunday Times as “a twisting tale of family secrets,” it won an Edgar Allan Poe Award and marked Mazzola as a rising star. Her second novel, The Story Keeper (2018), transports readers to 1857 Skye, where a folklorist’s assistant uncovers dark fairytales and missing girls, blending gothic mystery with folklore.
The Clockwork Girl (2022), set in 18th-century Paris, explores ambition and betrayal through a lens of eerie automatons, earning nominations for two CWA Dagger Awards and the Dublin Literary Award. Her 2023 novel, The House of Whispers, a ghost story set in Fascist Italy, hit number seven on the Saturday Times Chart and was named a Sunday Times historical fiction pick. Mazzola’s latest, The Book of Secrets (2024), delves into a 17th-century Roman case, earning accolades as a Times Historical Novel of the Month. Her style—rich, atmospheric, and character-driven—brings history to life with a modern pulse.
Under the pseudonym Anna Sharpe, Mazzola also ventures into legal thrillers, with Notes on a Drowning (2025) drawing on her solicitor experience. Her ability to weave historical accuracy with psychological intrigue sets her apart in the genre.
Why Anna Mazzola Matters
Anna Mazzola’s novels do more than entertain—they illuminate the human cost of crime and injustice, giving voice to marginalized figures like women and the poor in historical settings. Her work resonates with readers who crave stories that blend intellectual depth with emotional intensity. By drawing on real cases, she bridges past and present, reminding us how history shapes our understanding of justice today.
As a tutor at The Novelry and Arvon Foundation, Mazzola inspires aspiring writers, while her advocacy as a solicitor amplifies her commitment to social good. Her growing list of awards and critical acclaim signals a lasting impact on historical crime fiction.
- Born: July 1978, Croydon, Greater London
- Key Works: The Unseeing, The Story Keeper, The Clockwork Girl, The House of Whispers, The Book of Secrets
- Awards: Edgar Allan Poe Award (2018), Fingerprint Award (2024)
- Pseudonym: Anna Sharpe (legal thrillers)
Snag The Unseeing or The Clockwork Girl and dive into Anna Mazzola’s spellbinding world of historical crime fiction!