Joan Lowery Nixon

Joan Lowery Nixon (1927–2003) was a prolific American author specializing in mysteries and historical fiction for children and young adults, best known for winning four Edgar Allan Poe Awards from the Mystery Writers of America, a record for juvenile mysteries. Born in Los Angeles, California, she published her first poem at age ten, earned a journalism degree from the University of Southern California, and debuted her first novel, 'The Mystery of Hurricane Castle,' in 1964 after numerous rejections. She authored over 130 books, including popular series like Orphan Train Adventures, before passing away in Houston, Texas.