
author
1858–1947
A prolific American storyteller, she built a long career on novels and short fiction written both on her own and with her sister Grace MacGowan Cooke. Her work ranged across popular genres, including mystery, historical fiction, social novels, and Westerns.

by Alice MacGowan, Perry Newberry

by Alice MacGowan

by Alice MacGowan

by Alice MacGowan
Born in Perrysburg, Ohio, Alice L. MacGowan later became closely associated with Tennessee and then California. She is best remembered as an American writer who worked extensively with her sister, Grace MacGowan Cooke.
Together, the two produced more than 30 novels, around a hundred short stories, and some poetry. Their books moved easily between genres, which helps explain why her work still feels varied and approachable for modern readers.
MacGowan lived from December 10, 1858, to March 10, 1947, and left behind a substantial body of popular fiction from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For listeners who enjoy rediscovering overlooked writers, she offers a rich mix of collaboration, productivity, and classic storytelling.