Laurie Mantell was a local crime writer with an international reputation.
She was born Lorraine Hosking at Pahiatua in 1916. After marrying, Mantell moved to Petone where she worked as an accountant while raising her family.
She began writing short stories in 1945 and over the next few decades had more than 70 short stories published in New Zealand, England, the United States, and Australia.
Mantell’s first mystery novel, Murder in fancy dress, was published by prestigious British publisher Gollancz in 1978.
More novels followed with some published in the United States.
She lived in Wainuiomata for more than 40 years. She died in Lower Hutt in 2010.
In 1893 New Zealand became the first country in the world in which all women gained the right to vote in general elections. 2018 marks the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand. For more information about the anniversary visit Suffrage 125 on Facebook.
This is part of a series sharing the stories and lives of women who have a connection to Lower Hutt.