Katharine McMahon is an historical novelist who, since 1990, has published ten books.

Early life

McMahon studied English and Drama at University of Bristol and qualified as a teacher of English and Drama.

Career

Initially she worked in secondary education, but was later appointed as a writing fellow by the Royal Literary Fund at the University of Hertfordshire and University of Warwick. She currently works with the Royal Literary Fund as Head of Outreach. She has worked as a tutor at the Arvon Foundation, and for several years taught the Guardian masterclass on Historical Fiction.

Novelist

McMahon's book The Alchemist's Daughter was one of Waterstone's Paperbacks of the Year in 2006. The Rose of Sebastopol announced on 27 December 2007 as one of the ten titles for the Richard & Judy Book Club 2008. McMahon’s book was subsequently reviewed on the Channel 4 Richard & Judy Show on 24 January 2008. The Rose of Sebastopol was shortlisted for the Best Read Award at the Galaxy British Book Awards 2008. The Rose of Sebastopol was on the Sunday Times Best Seller List and was a Waterstone's No.1 Bestseller. In 2020 the book was released in a new edition with an additional chapter, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale. In two subsequent novels, The Crimson Rooms, and The Woman in the Picture, McMahon introduced the character Evelyn Gifford, a pioneering female lawyer who struggles to gain a foothold in the legal world during the 1920s The Hour of Separation, was released in paperback in 2019.

Magistrate

McMahon also trained as a magistrate in Hertfordshire and North London. She was appointed as course director by the Judicial College to design and run the national training course for Bench Chairmen. For five years she served on the Sentencing Council for England and Wales 2010-2015 and was subsequently appointed as a Judicial Appointments Commissioner. (2014-2017)

Personal life

McMahon taught at schools local to Watford and the University of Hertfordshire. McMahon was a magistrate and was involved with the Watford Palace Theatre. Her two daughters acted with the Watford Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, and the Watford Palace Theatre Youth Theatre. Her son played football with Sun Postal. Her husband, Martin Rainsford, was a councillor. Jenny Rainsford is McMahon's daughter. She performs with the Abbey Theatre in St Albans. McMahon's best friend is Mary Portas. McMahon received Royal Literary Fellowships. Katherine McMahon is a former Watford resident.

Audio

Works