She writes critically acclaimed historical detective novels primarily based in Ireland, and has also written many books for children of all ages.
She had been bed-ridden for weeks at a time, and entertained herself by making up stories and drawing matching historical figures and clothes.
This suggestion, combined with the fact that the nearby Cahermaughten Fort used to host an Early Irish law school at the 16th century, lead to her first book, My Lady Judge.
[4] Harrison also regularly visited Irish schools, giving readings from her books, with the purpose of encouraging children to write.
The first book takes place in 1509, in The Burren, County Clare, Ireland, in Henry VIII's first year reigning as King.
', in an interview with Publishers Weekly, Harrison states that she: "chose a woman of power, and a very highly respected person in the city."
"[8] The result of this persecution was that "religious figures who had suffered, and even died for their faith, were held in very high esteem in the Ireland of the 1920s, and they had a very strong influence, especially amongst the working class.
"[8] Harrison adds, "The problem, I’ve always felt, with Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple lies in her credibility, in the respect which is accorded to her opinions.
The Gaslight mysteries take place in 19th century London, with Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins as the amateur detectives.
[10] In an interview with Crime Time,[11] Harrison presents in detail the view that her third novel in the series, Summer of Secrets, is: inspired by my interest, not just in Charles Dickens and his friends, but also in Ellen Ternan whose name is so connected with his.