Lynn Manuel was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. The daughter of a steel-worker, she graduated from McMaster University with a degree in history and went on to receive a Bachelor of Education degree from the Ontario Teacher Education College. After moving to British Columbia in 1976, she began her writing career while raising her two children, Jennifer and David. Her first four books were mysteries, written for Gage Educational publishers. When her children were older, she returned to school to complete a Masters degree in creative writing at the University of British Columbia. She now lives in White Rock, British Columbia, with her husband, Ken, where she enjoys giving readings in the schools and libraries, and spending time with her grandchildren—Ben, Emma, and Maddy.