May McGoldrick is the pseudonym of a talented writing duo, Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick. Nikoo, a mechanical engineer with a knack for storytelling, brings her character-driven focus to the partnership. In contrast, Jim, who has experience in submarine construction and a Ph.D. in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, contributes his sense of place and action. Together, they have written more than thirty historical and contemporary novels, as well as two nonfiction works, using various pen names including Jan Coffey and May McGoldrick.
Their debut fiction collaboration, 'The Thistle and the Rose', marked the beginning of their successful writing journey. Their books have resonated with millions of readers worldwide and have been translated into over a dozen languages. As four-time Rita Finalists and winners of multiple awards, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence and the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, May McGoldrick's works have left an indelible mark on the literary world.
Nikoo and Jim, the creative minds behind May McGoldrick, Nik James, and Jan Coffey, have authored over fifty historical, contemporary, and Western novels, along with two nonfiction works. With Nikoo's engineering background in robotics and shipbuilding, and Jim's diverse work history and literary scholarship, they complement each other's strengths. Their partnership took off after realizing their individual creative talents during their thirteen years of marriage.
May McGoldrick's notable series include the Macpherson Clan Series, Pennington Family Series, and the Royal Highlander Series. Some of their popular titles are 'The Thistle and the Rose', 'The Promise', 'Highland Crown', 'Trust Me Once', and 'The Winter Road'. Their work has been recognized with numerous awards, such as the NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction. They continue to captivate readers with their engaging storytelling and diverse portfolio.