Kevin Brooks

Kevin Brooks counts among his many jobs being a crematorium assistant, a refreshments vendor at the London Zoo, and a civil servant. But he always wanted to be a writer.

It was the publication of Martyn Pig that changed everything. After being turned down by a number of publishers, Kevin Brooks sent his manuscript to The Chicken House, who jumped on the chance to publish it. They released Martyn Pig in the spring of 2002. In the U.K, the book went on to be short-listed for the Carnegie Medal and win a Branford Boase Award for a first best novel. And in the United States, it was named a Publishers Weekly Flying Start and an ALA Book of the Year, among its many accolades.

One of Brooks' favorite genres is the detective novel, and this shows in his writing, "I think my awareness of plot comes from having read a lot of crime fiction. When Martyn Pig came out, the reviewers were saying things such as 'well plotted' novel. I found that surprising because I didn't have any idea that I could plot or structure a story. I do plan, but I'm not consciously aware that I'm building a plot that creates good suspense; it comes naturally because I've soaked myself in those sorts of plots."

Why did he decide to write for children? "There are not many differences, I don't think, between writing for children and writing for adults," Brooks says, "because children aren't that different from adults. But I would say the story is the main thing, with children. With adults you might use different styles and structures, perhaps indulge in fiddly niceties. Writing for children brings you down to basics."

Critics have compared his second novel, Lucas, to classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird and The Ox-Bow Incident. Told through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Caitlin, Lucas captures the pain and grace of an adolescent girl faced with a moral dilemma – with only her heart to guide her. "An ambitious and intricately crafted tale of love and resurrection," says Publishers Weekly in a starred review. Lucas was long listed for the Guardian Fiction Prize, was a Book Sense 76 pick and was also chosen for Barnes & Noble Teen Discovery Program.

Kevin Brooks is married and lives in Manningtree, Essex, England.

If you like Kevin Brooks you might also like to read books by Peter James, Peter Robinson and Reginald Hill

Naked Kevin Brooks Probably THE author of YA/teen fiction that has more of a cult following than any other. His novels are controversial but utterly gripping and this one is no exception. It's the story of Billy the Kid in the summer of... Format: Paperback - Released: 06/10/2011 Lovereading Price: £5.99 - Saving £2.00 (25%)

Killing God Kevin Brooks July 2009 Book of the Month. A thrilling, thought-provoking novel from the critically acclaimed Kevin Brooks. Dawn Bundy is fifteen. She doesn't fit in and she couldn't care less. Dawn has other things on her... Format: Paperback - Released: 25/06/2009 Lovereading Price: £5.99 - Saving £2.00 (25%)

Black Rabbit Summer Kevin Brooks Shortlisted for the Carnegie Award 2009. Pete and his childhood friends meet up one last time, for ‘old time’s sake’. But old times are full of secrets, tensions, bitterness and unhappiness. And everyone sees it a bit differently. And not only because of... Format: Paperback - Released: 07/08/2008 Lovereading Price: £5.99 - Saving £2.00 (25%)

Black Rabbit Summer Kevin Brooks Pete and his childhood friends meet up for one last time, for ‘old time’s sake’. But old times are full of secrets, tensions, bitterness and unhappiness. And everyone sees it a bit differently. And not only because of the drugs.... Format: Hardback - Released: 07/02/2008 Lovereading Price: £8.24 - Saving £2.75 (25%)

Being Kevin Brooks Who is Robert? When he goes in for his operation, Robert is sure he knows exactly who he is. But, things look different when the surgeon opens him up. It leads Robert to set off on a thrilling journey to... Format: Paperback - Released: 07/02/2008 Lovereading Price: £5.99 - Saving £2.00 (25%)

Being Kevin Brooks Who is Robert? When he goes in for his operation, Robert is sure he knows exactly who he is. But, things look different when the surgeon opens him up. It leads Robert to set off on a thrilling journey to... Format: Hardback - Released: 01/03/2007 Lovereading Price: £7.49 - Saving £2.50 (25%)

The Road of the Dead Kevin Brooks Shortlisted for the Carnegie Award 2007. This is a book that will have you gasping for breath, gripping your chair and biting your teeth all at once and from the very start. The characters are so realistic you feel you can... Format: Paperback - Released: 08/01/2007 Lovereading Price: £5.24 - Saving £1.75 (25%)

Martyn Pig Kevin Brooks Did I hate him? Of course I hated him. But I never meant to kill him. With his father dead, Martyn has a choice. Tell the police what happened - and be suspected of murder. Or get rid of the... Format: Paperback - Released: 06/03/2006 Lovereading Price: £5.24 - Saving £1.75 (25%)

Lucas Kevin Brooks Bound to capture your imagination right from the start, Lucas is the thriller that follows Caitlin, a 15-year-old girl who falls in love with a mysterious and beautiful boy with tragic consequences. The plot is gripping, thrilling and heartbreaking all at the same... Format: Paperback - Released: 06/03/2006 Lovereading Price: £5.24 - Saving £1.75 (25%)