Red House Children's Book Award

Questions & Answers

How do you feel about being shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award?

I was quite literally faint with happiness when I got the news - I'm really delighted.

How would you describe Mondays are Murder in five words?

One hell of a holiday!

What is the most difficult part about writing a murder mystery?

I actually find writing murder mysteries fantastically good fun! It's also highly addictive. I've got to the point where I can't look at an object without wondering if it might make a good blunt instrument. I enjoy the whole thing from start to finish.

Is Poppy Fields similar to you in any way?

Her sense of humour is the same. But she's a lot braver than me - if I'd been on that island I'd have been reduced to a whimpering wreck.

What is your favourite children's book?

Stig of the Dump (closely followed by Where the Wild Things Are)

Where is your favourite place in the world?

There's a valley in north Devon that has everything - beech woods, snowdrops, bluebells, primroses, a stream running down to a beach. What more could you want?

What's your favourite joke?

What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back?
A stick.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

I'd love to be a shape-shifter.

What makes you laugh?

My dog, Hobson - he's a natural comedian.

Who is your hero?

Barack Obama.