Cynthia Sally Haggard was born and reared in Surrey, England.
About 40 years ago she surfaced in the United States, inhabiting the Mid-Atlantic region as she wound her way through four careers:
Cynthia graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from Lesley University, Cambridge MA, in June 2015.
Her first publication, Thwarted Queen, the true story behind Season One of “Game of Thrones” won the 2021 IPPY Gold Medal for audiobook.
Her second publication, a series of four novellas that forms, The Grace Miller series, a Cinderella-ish tale with not-so-charming princes who inhabit the edgy setting of 1920s Berlin, won the 2021 Independent Press Award for Women’s Fiction.
Her third publication is another series of four novellas that forms The Twelve Cursed Maidens series, a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses folk tale, with elements of Greek Mythology woven in. The first volume, Maiden Tomb is currently available on Amazon. The others are forthcoming.
When she’s not annoying everyone by insisting her fictional characters are more real than they are, Cynthia likes to go for long walks, knit something glamorous, cook in her wonderful kitchen, and play the piano.
“A mesmerizing retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, infused with dark fantasy and gothic intrigue.” ~ Jeyran Main, Review Tales, A Historical Fiction Magazine.
“Maiden Tomb is a shadowy, spellbinding tale where sisterhood and secrets collide in a world that makes freedom feel like a distant dream.”—Leah P.
“Maiden Tomb is not a retelling per se. Instead it combines elements of Greek Mythology with the tale of The Twelve Dancing Princesses into a unique collage that will appeal to readers who enjoy Madeline Miller’s Circe, and Naomi Novak’s Spinning Silver.”—Catherine H.
“Maiden Tomb features a wide cast of characters, each playing an intricate role. Worry not about keeping the twelve sisters separate, for Haggard has sharply characterized each, from the brittle eldest sister to the sunny youngest.”—Katharine M.
“For fans of Fantasy and Greek Mythology, Maiden Tomb delivers a captivating tale of sisterly love, mad kings and undercover suitors.”—Marley V.
“In a world steeped in myth and mystery, twelve princesses are locked in a tower. Their peaceful captivity is shattered when the sisters begin dying under mysterious circumstances.” —Stephanie R.
“Maiden Tomb is the first installment of The Twelve Cursed Maidens series. Readers in high school and above will be captivated by the writing style and quick pace.” —Tiffany E.
“The author…adeptly summons the era in all its manners and details with her descriptive prose…Her omniscient, third-person narrator effectively flits through the heads of various characters, offering momentary glimpses of their inner lives.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A unique, deftly scripted, and extraordinary novel by an author with a distinctive narrative storytelling style that will hold the readers dedicated attention from beginning to end, Farewell My Life: Buona Notte Vita Mia is an impressive and unreservedly recommended addition to both community and academic library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections. One of those rare novels that will linger in the mind and memory long after the book itself has been finished.”—Mid-West Book Review
“The author knows her characters very, very well; this shows in the consistent and very individual way they act. This is not a plot-driven story; it’s character-driven. In this book, the characters are the jam which holds everything together. The best example of this is Grace, the talented violinist, who, simply, jumps off the page. I loved her.”—Wishing Shelf
“This is not your typical mystery; it’s for fans of thrilling action and historically-inspired events…Contra to the status quo of the genre, the men are the romantics – though in a deranged manner – and the women showcased are the core strength of the novel.”—BookLife Prize.
“The author immerses the reader in a complex and vivid world that is depicted with persuasive confidence.”—Curtis Sittenfeld, author of “American Wife.”
“Haggard delivers a swift epic that is both entertaining and informing. The writing is crisp and clear, the characters well-defined, and the emotion overflowing. This book has something for everyone—romance, intrigue, and plenty of action.”—US Review of Books.
“Extremely interesting and cleverly written-I was completely enthralled!—Lucy Bertoldi, Historical Novel Society.
“A gripping, well-researched historical novel, revealing a violent age. Cecylee and the other characters are well-drawn, with great subtlety and depth.”—Lindsay Townsend, author of “To Touch the Knight.”
“A wonderful novel to introduce Cecily Neville and historical biographical fiction to young female readers.”—Mirella Patzer, author of “The Pendant.”
Cynthia’s biggest influence was her grandmother, Stephanie Treffry, who had a natural story-telling ability.
A widow in 1970s Britain, Grandma Steffi didn’t drive a car, so was obliged to spend time waiting for buses.
Her stories were about various encounters she had at those bus-stops.
Nothing extraordinary, except that she made them so funny, everyone was in fits of laughter.
Cynthia tries to emulate her when she writes her novels.
I am a member of the Historical Novel Society and The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
