Martha Jean Johnson writes both fiction and non-fiction. She published her debut novel, The Queen's Musician, in May 2025. Kirkus Reviews praised this fictional biography of Tudor musician Mark Smeaton as "original and worthwhile." Open Letters Review noted its "superb writing and soulful characterization." In 2026, The Historical Traveler selected The Queen's Musician as one of its "Hot 25" historical novels. Johnson also regularly comments on her favorite reads and the writing life in Historical Magic on Substack.
During a long public policy career, Johnson analyzed and reported on the public's perspective, working with noted social analyst and public opinion pioneer, Daniel Yankelovich. She has published articles on American public opinion and public policy in USA Today and The Huffington Post and appeared on Bill Moyers' Journal, CNN, and MSNBC. She is also the author of three books with Scott Bittle all from HarperCollins: Where Does the Money Go? ; Who Turned Out the Lights? ; and Where Did the Jobs Go?
She lives in Jersey City, NJ and holds degrees from Mount Holyoke College, Brown University, and Simmons College.
