Laura Martinez-Ortega is a Mexican-American retired anti-corruption lawyer with a writing habit. A period fashion enthusiast, historic rapier aficionado, avid reader of adventure stories and murder mysteries, and a total nerd, Laura enjoys writing short stories and articles on various and sundry topics. She is currently working on her first novel, a murder mystery set in a tourist castle, involving a ghost, a fairy, a vampire queen, a reality show television crew, and the occasional battle duck. What more could anyone want?

Laura grew up on the US-Mexico border, surrounded by Chihuahuas, music-loving people, and a lot of books. Much to everyone’s surprise, she became a crazy cat lady in her later years. She resides in Northern Virginia with her long-suffering husband and their two very spoiled cats.