Colleen McCullough was born in Australia. A neurophysiologist, she worked in Australia and the U.K. before joining the department of Neurology at the Yale University School of Internal Medicine, where she remained for ten years.Publication of The Thorn Birds, her second novel, in 1977, saw the end of her scientific career. She moved to Norfolk Island in the South Pacific, where she lives with her husband, Ric Robinson.

Praise for Colleen McCullough:'Very much in the tradition of P.D. James…McCullough is a tremendous storyteller.' The Times'Compelling, passionate and gritty.' She'McCullough piles on the drama.' Daily Mail'Absorbing.' Sunday Telegraph'Probes the depths of the human heart in a haunting, multi-layered novel.' Good Book Guide'This experienced writer knows how to grab attention and keep it.' Literary Review‘As an artful storyteller, McCullough has more than a few tricks up her sleeve.’ Sydney Morning Herald