Stephen Wade is a social historian, specialising in the history of crime and the law in Britain and Ireland. Amongst his many published true crime and crime history books are those he has written for Pen & Sword's Family History series. These include "Tracing Your Criminal Ancestors, Tracing Your Legal Ancestors" and "Tracing Your Police Ancestors". He has also contributed to Family Tree Magazine, Who Do You Think You Are? magazine and other periodicals.