Sharon Blythe Wagner is an American author known for her prolific output of over 60 mystery, Gothic romance, and young adult fiction titles. She is best recognized for her contributions to the beloved Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series, writing five titles under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, including The Kachina Doll Mystery, The Elusive Heiress, and The Broken Anchor. Originally from Wallace, Idaho, and raised in Cut Bank, Montana, Wagner began her writing career in the mid-1960s, first publishing short stories in magazines. Her first full-length book, Prairie Wind, illustrated by her friend Rita Warner, was released in 1968. She went on to create the Gypsy series, a set of mystery novels set on a Western ranch that gained a following among horse lovers; Gypsy from Nowhere was later named one of the 30 best horse books by Horse Illustrated. Wagner has also published under various pseudonyms, including Casey Stephens, M.E. Cooper, Ann Sheldon, Blythe Stephens, and Blythe Bradley. She lives in Mesa, Arizona.