Sophie McKenzie On Her Latest Murder Academy Series And The Art Of Writing Gripping Mysteries

“Sophie McKenzie, the Sunday Times bestselling author of thirty novels, passionately shares her craft and unveils her latest mystery series, Murder Academy.“

Friendship, Mystery, And Danger

Sunday Times bestselling author Sophie McKenzie discusses her new Murder Academy series, the balance of suspense and sensitivity in teen mysteries, and advice for aspiring authors crafting compelling stories.

Sophie McKenzie is, without question, one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary fiction. With a career spanning over three decades, her writing effortlessly cuts across genres and age groups, offering readers everything from heart-pounding thrillers to thoughtful reimaginings of beloved classics. Her ability to captivate audiences has made her a household name, not only as a Sunday Times bestselling author but also as a literary phenomenon whose books leave indelible marks on readers of all ages.

In this issue of Novelist Post, we are ecstatic to present an exclusive interview with Sophie McKenzie as she unveils her latest venture into the world of teen murder mysteries: Lessons in Death, the first installment of the Murder Academy series. Sophie’s knack for suspense shines brilliantly in this gripping tale, seamlessly blending adventure, humor, friendship, and the darker elements of mystery, all while maintaining age-appropriate sensitivity for younger audiences.

Sophie’s novels are masterclasses in storytelling, and her passion for weaving intricate plots and dynamic characters is evident in every page she writes. From her award-winning teen thrillers like Girl, Missing to her compelling psychological dramas for adults such as Trust in Me, Sophie continues to redefine what it means to be a versatile author. And her commitment to accessibility, demonstrated in her dyslexia-friendly books, ensures that her stories resonate across barriers.

Sophie McKenzie’s writing captivates readers with thrilling plots, relatable characters, and an unmatched ability to bridge audiences and genres.

Join us as we dive into Sophie McKenzie’s world—a world fueled by timeless passion for storytelling and a dedication to exploring the complexities of human relationships. In this candid interview, Sophie discusses friendship, trust, and suspense in her latest work, shares writing insights, and offers a sneak peek at what’s next in the Murder Academy series. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering her brilliance for the first time, Sophie McKenzie’s work is an invitation you won’t want to miss.

Please can you introduce your new book Lessons in Death?

Lessons in Death is a murder mystery set at Mayfield Academy (hence the series title, Murder Academy). The story begins when Georgia discovers one of her favourite teachers dead in the library. She rushes to get help, but when she returns a few minutes later, the body has disappeared. Georgia is certain a murder has taken place and that the person(s) responsible has moved the body, but only her best friend Billy believes her. Determined to work out what has happened and unmask the killer, the two of them hunt for evidence. But it isn’t easy, especially when glamorous new girl Wren seems determined not only to get involved, but to get her hooks into Billy.  With their friendship under strain and the investigation requiring more than a little rule-breaking, Georgia’s stress levels quickly ramp up. And all that’s before she realises that the killer knows what she’s up to and is prepared to go to any lengths to stop her.

“Friendship is at the heart of the story.” – Sophie McKenzie

Can you talk about the role of friendship and trust in Lessons in Death?

Friendship is at the heart of the story. When the adult authorities (police, parents, teachers) refuse to believe Georgia has witnessed the aftermath of a murder, she feels very alone. Without her friends – and their trust in her – solving the mystery would be impossible.

It’s always fun to explore the dynamics of any friendship group and how the separate and collective relationships work. For instance, who’s the one with the practical know-how, who’s the funny one, who’s the one with the rebellious streak – and how do they all interact. Bringing Georgia and her friends together also allows for those lighter, more  humorous touches which are a huge part of what I’m looking for myself when I’m reading a murder mystery.

“Writing is mostly rewriting. Don’t give up!” – Sophie McKenzie

What challenges did you face when writing a mystery for a younger audience?

The same challenges as with any book, for any audience! (Structuring a story, creating compelling characters, making what happens unexpected yet credible, etc etc.) The additional challenge of a murder mystery for a younger audience is in making sure there is plenty at stake, while handling murder/death/dead bodies in a sensitive and age-appropriate way.

How do you balance suspense and age-appropriate content in your teen thrillers?

For me, it’s all in the specifics. There are certain things I avoid writing about. You won’t find any blood or gore in my teen stories. Likewise, there’s no swearing, graphically described violence or sexual content. Suspense isn’t about the terrible thing, it’s about the build up to it: the fear of discovery, the dangerous journey into the unknown and (to paraphrase Hitchcock) the knowledge that the bomb under the table will explode in fifteen minutes.

How does your approach differ when writing for teens versus adults?

I don’t really frame it from the outside in, like that. I start with the main character – what’s their story and who might what to read it? – then work from there. I actually wrote my first adult thriller (Close My Eyes) because I had an idea that I knew that wouldn’t be right for a teen audience; the character and their story dictate who the readers will most likely be.

Following on from that, one big difference in approach arises naturally from the main character’s age. In adult books I’m most likely writing the thoughts, actions and speech of someone older and in teen books, the main characters are probably younger. Other than that, I’d say that my books for teens are usually shorter, so the plots are by definition less complicated – and I often find that my teen stories are more likely to revolve around the need to make morally thought-provoking choices while I’m also more careful around the handling of sensitive areas (like sex, violence and swearing). Finally, though I do love a dark, twisty ending, I would only ever close a book for teens on a note of hope.

Were any of the characters or settings in Lessons in Death inspired by real life?

No! I’ve tried writing characters from real life, and they don’t really survive contact with the fictional story – the plot soon influences what they do, and they start to take on a life of their own. The only references to my own experience as a teenager are emotional, particularly Georgia’s feelings of insecurity.

Do you plan for Lessons in Death to be part of a series, and what can readers expect next?

Yes! Lessons in Death is the first book in the Murder Academy series. Future stories will see Georgia and her friends solving more murder mysteries, both in and away from the school environment. The next story is set in a residential summer camp in the middle of nowhere, where Georgia and her friends investigate not one but two murders! Camp Murder is a fresh story, but hopefully featuring the same elements of danger, adventure, mystery, suspense, friendship and humour as book one.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write gripping mysteries for younger readers?

Read a lot and write a lot! The more you read (especially of the kind of thing you want to write) the more you’ll absorb in terms of craft and technique. And the more you write, the more you are practising that craft and technique and developing your own story. It’s important to break the journey up the huge mountain of an unwritten novel into a series of small steps, to stay open to making improvements and to remember that writing is mostly rewriting. Don’t give up!

Finally, can you describe this new series in three words?

How about five:

Mystery. Suspense. Danger. Friendship. Fun.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Sophie McKenzie’s Lessons in Death is a compelling debut in the Murder Academy series, weaving suspense and teenage dynamics with aplomb. Set in the atmospheric Mayfield Academy, the story kicks off with Georgia discovering her drama teacher’s lifeless body in the library—only for it to mysteriously vanish. Alongside her loyal friend Billy and enigmatic newcomer Wren, Georgia delves into a dangerous investigation that challenges friendships and uncovers dark secrets. The murder-mystery plot is gripping, with twists that keep readers guessing. McKenzie’s ability to blend relatable teenage dilemmas with an enthralling thriller makes this a standout read. Fans of her bestseller Girl Missing will relish the sharp, fast-paced storytelling. A perfect treat for young adults craving suspense and intrigue.