Mary Stewart, British author and poet (died 2014)

Mary, Lady Stewart was a British novelist who developed the romantic mystery genre, featuring smart, adventurous heroines who could hold their own in dangerous situations. She also wrote children's books and poetry, but may be best known for her Merlin series, which straddles the boundary between the historical novel and fantasy.

September 17 is the 260th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 105 days remain until the end of the year.