Anne Perry was born Juliet Marion Hulme on October 28, 1938, in London, England. Her father was Henry Rainsford Hulme, a physicist known for his work in science. As a child, Juliet was diagnosed with tuberculosis. To help her recover, she was sent to places with warmer climates, including the Caribbean, South Africa, and New Zealand.

Juliet returned to her family when her father became the rector of Canterbury University College in New Zealand. She attended Christchurch Girls' High School during this time. In 1948, a photograph of her arrival in New Zealand was published in a local newspaper.

In June 1954, Anne Perry, then known as Juliet Hulme, and her best friend, Pauline Parker, were involved in a serious crime. They murdered Pauline's mother, Honorah Rieper. The girls, who were both teenagers, had created a fantasy world together and did not want to be separated because of their parents' actions.

On June 22, 1954, the three of them went for a walk in Victoria Park in Christchurch, New Zealand. While on a secluded path, Juliet dropped an ornamental stone. This made Honorah lean over to pick it up. At that moment, Pauline attacked her mother with a weapon wrapped in cloth. The girls believed one blow would be enough, but it took them more than twenty strikes to kill her.

After the murder, both girls were put on trial. They were found guilty on August 28, 1954. Because they were too young for the death penalty, they were sentenced to be held in custody for five years. They were released separately in 1959. Following their release, Anne established a new life, becoming a famous author known for her mystery novels.