Natalie Bayley

Natalie Bayley is an Australian author known for her psychological thrillers and historical fiction. She is best known for her novel Bone Rites (2023), which won The Virginia Prize for Fiction.

Natalie Bayley, who writes under NJ Bayley, was born and raised in New South Wales, Australia. She teaches English and enjoys ocean swimming and spending time with her cats. Her love for literature and teaching has influenced her writing career, focusing on detailed research and historical accuracy.

Her novel Bone Rites (2023) tells the story of Dr. Kathryn Darkling, a woman driven by guilt and facing execution in Holloway prison in 1925. Branded The Westminster Vampire by the press, Dr. Darkling has two weeks to complete her mission before hanging. The novel delves into themes of love, loss, and one woman's obsessive fight for justice and redemption. "I lose days, weeks, months uncovering the most obscure facts," Natalie says, emphasizing the importance of research in her work.

In addition to Bone Rites, Natalie has authored several books, including Lolita's Daughter, The Secret Life of Grandmothers, and The Witch Who Saved Paris. She also created The Lady Lyttle Murder Mystery series, known for its tagline "A Lyttle murder never hurt anyone."

Natalie's dedication to historical accuracy is evident in her works. She meticulously researches each detail to ensure authenticity. "Finding out exactly how, where, and with whom a posh, English, bisexual woman might have taken opium in Paris in the post-WW1 period took me weeks of research," she explains. This commitment to detail enhances the richness of her stories.

Living in New South Wales, Natalie finds inspiration in her surroundings. Walking along the coast often inspires her to create dark and twisty storylines.

Photo credit: X @NJBayleyAuthor