When stacks of unread teen books became a nuisance at home, I knew I needed to have a conversation with my daughter about her tendency to read chapter one (and maybe chapter two) and then walk away, never to return to the book again.

Why was that?

Her answer:

‘Because the characters aren’t very interesting and the stories are not very exciting. Oh, and they don’t make me laugh.’

I delved deeper, asking what her idea of the perfect book would be.

‘A murder mystery that’s funny and happens somewhere like here, where we live,’ was her reply.

‘Ok,’ I said, ‘I’ll write a book especially for you.’

So, what started as a way to encourage my daughter to read, snowballed into a much bigger project. Once I had started, I couldn’t stop. I finished the book, she enjoyed reading it and I thought, maybe others would like to read it too.

Murder, Great for My Social Skills is the result.

For all you parents of reluctant readers, don't give up - there is hope! Maybe this will be the book to get them hooked. And it's not just a book for teens and young adults, this book is cross-generational - parents will love it too! 

Happy reading!