Essie Fox was born and raised in rural Herefordshire, which inspires much of her writing.    After studying English Literature at Sheffield University, she moved to London where she worked for the Telegraph Sunday Magazine, then the book publishers George Allen & Unwin - before becoming self-employed in the world of art and design.   Always an avid reader, Essie now spends her time writing historical gothic novels. Her debut, The Somnambulist, was shortlisted for the National Book Awards, and featured on Channel 4's TV Book Club. The Last Days of Leda Grey, set in the early years of silent film, was selected as The Times Historical Book of the Month. Her latest novel, The Fascination is based in Victorian country fairgrounds, the glamour of the London theatres, and an Oxford Street museum full of morbid curiosities.    Essie is also the creator of the popular blog: The Virtual Victorian  She has lectured on this era at the V&A, and the National Gallery in London.