Van der Vlugt (née Watertor) was born in Hoorn and started writing at an early age, submitting her first manuscript to a publisher at 13 years of age. Her first published novel (The Amulet, 1995, a historical novel) was written while working as a secretary at a bank. She went on to write ten further historical novels for young adults.

In 2004 Van der Vlugt wrote her first crime novel, The Reunion, a psychological suspense thriller. This was followed by five others. The Reunion is the only one currently translated into English.

Van der Vlugt is married with two children, and lives in Alkmaar.