Gabrielle Margaret Vere Long, née Campbell, was a prolific British author who wrote under numerous pen names, most notably Marjorie Bowen. Born into a family that would later be plagued by tragedy, Long's early life was marked by hardship. Her father's untimely death due to alcoholism left her with the responsibility of supporting her family. This tragic event ultimately led her to pursue a writing career.
Long's writing journey began in 1906, and she went on to publish an impressive 150 books or more under various pseudonyms. As Marjorie Bowen, she crafted numerous tales of the supernatural and ghostly, as well as novels that explored the darker aspects of human nature. One such novel, "Black Magic," tells the chilling story of a female Satanist who disguises herself as a man and successfully assumes the role of Pope.
In addition to her work as Marjorie Bowen, Long also wrote as George Preedy, penning historical novels that brought to life pivotal moments in history. As Joseph Shearing, she crafted fictionalized accounts of real-life murders, often offering her own theories and solutions to the crimes. Her Shearing novels proved particularly popular among filmmakers, who were drawn to their unique blend of fact and fiction.
Throughout her career, Long wrote under a range of pseudonyms, including John Winch, Robert Paye, and Margaret Campbell. Despite her prolific output, much of her work has fallen out of print, waiting to be rediscovered by readers in the 21st century. Today, her ghost stories, penned as Marjorie Bowen, are occasionally reprinted, offering a glimpse into the mind of a masterful storyteller.
