Jill Dawson is the author of Trick of the Light, Magpie, Fred and Edie, which was shortlisted for the Whitbread Novel Award and the Orange Prize, Wild Boy, Watch Me Disappear, which was longlisted for the Orange Prize, The Great Lover, a Richard and Judy Summer Read in 2009, Lucky Bunny and The Tell-Tale Heart. In addition she has edited six anthologies of short stories and poetry. Born in Durham, Jill Dawson grew up in Yorkshire. She has held many Fellowships, including the Creative Writing Fellowship at the University of East Anglia, where she taught on the MA in Creative Writing course. In 2006 she received an honorary doctorate in recognition of her work. She lives in the Fens with her husband and two sons.
Ventriloquy is Dawson's forte ... this fascinating, skilfully constructed novel builds a convincing picture of Patricia Highsmith -- Andrew Taylor Spectator You do not need to be a passionate Highsmith fan to admire this beautifully written and elegant novel, but I think it will particularly appeal to those who have read her books and know something about her life; they should recognise many of the allusions and ideas -- Jessica Mann Literary Review A beautifully crafted and utterly riveting blend of fact and fiction about a fascinating 20th-century figure. -- Carla McKay Daily Mail Funny, horrific and moving in turn this is a riveting read and an intriguing glimpse into the murky depths of an extraordinary writer. Jill Dawson captures Highsmith's eccentricities brilliantly, while somehow also managing to convey her humanity ... I was endlessly impressed by the attention to detail. -- Mel Mitchell Newbooks magazine A dark tale of madness and murder, of obsession and delusion, that's worthy of Highsmith herself -- Sarra Manning Red magazine '[An] impeccable portrait ... Jill Dawson's clear, crisp prose provides a stark contrast to the maddening inner workings of Pat's increasingly troubled mind ... a hugely compelling read, jam-packed full of tensions and psychological insight, all beautifully observed.' -- Eithne Farry S magazine