Sophie Williamwood September 12 th 2013

Sophie McKenzie Author of Blood Ties, Blood Ransom, and the hugely popular Girl, Missing series Sophie McKenzie is coming to Williamwood to discuss her new thriller Split Second

Split Second Split Second Like Blood Ties and Blood Ransom, the story is narrated alternately by the two main characters, Nat and Charlie. They meet following a terrorist bomb attack that has affected both their families, and as they strive to find out who planted the bomb and why, their lives – and secrets – become entangled and their loyalties tested to the limit. Blood TiesBlood RansomBlood TiesBlood Ransom

Charlie's life is torn apart by a terrorist bomb in a London market. Months later, she meets Nat, whose family has also been left devastated by the same explosion. But as Charlie gets closer to Nat she uncovers secrets and a whole cast of shady characters that lead her to believe Nat knows more about the attack than he is letting on. Split Second is a breathtaking thriller that shifts between the perspectives of its two main characters as their courage and their loyalties are tested to the limit.

Sophie McKenzie’s original thriller series began with her award-winning novel Girl, Missing, which is followed by Sister, Missing and, in September 2012, Missing Me. Based around teenager Lauren, and her best friend Jam, these dramatic thrillers explore themes of identity and family.Girl, Missing Sister, MissingMissing Me

Fourteen-year-old Lauren has always known she was adopted but when a little research turns up the possibility that she was snatched from an American family as a baby, suddenly Lauren's life seems like a sham. How can she find her biological parents? Are her adoptive parents really responsible for kidnapping her? A holiday to America provides Lauren with the chance to run away to try and find the truth. But the circumstances of her disappearance are murky and Lauren's kidnappers are still at large and willing to do anything to keep her silent.

Blood Ties series An explosive thriller series featuring two teenagers who uncover a human cloning project. Theo and Rachel are thrown together in the first book, Blood Ties, as Theo begins searching for his estranged father. But as they begin to unravel the truth, they find themselves in the middle of an unbelievable – and unbelievably dangerous – situation. An explosive thriller series featuring two teenagers who uncover a human cloning project. Theo and Rachel are thrown together in the first book, Blood Ties, as Theo begins searching for his estranged father. But as they begin to unravel the truth, they find themselves in the middle of an unbelievable – and unbelievably dangerous – situation. Blood TiesBlood Ties In both books, the chapters are narrated alternately by Theo and Rachel, so we can really get inside their heads and see from both sides how their incredible story – and relationship with each other – unfolds.

About Sophie Sophie was born and brought up in London, where she still lives with her teenage son. She has worked as a journalist and a magazine editor, but fell in love with writing after being made redundant and enrolling in a creative writing course. She burst into the publishing world with Girl, Missing her debut novel (published 2006), which tallied up numerous award wins nationwide, including the Richard and Judy Best Kids’ Books 2007 (12+ category), The Red House Book Award and The Manchester Children’s Book Award.

Williamwood pupils last met Sophie McKenzie at Edinburgh Book Festival 2012

Sophie McKenzie Q and A What books did you read as a child? I read a lot as a child – I loved exciting adventure stories (like the Willard Price series and books by Elizabeth Goudge and Joan Aiken) and stories with lots of relationship intrigue and an element of romance (like ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE series). It’s no coincidence that these are the kinds of stories I try to write now! What book would you take on a desert island and why? It’s impossible to pick just one but, if I had to choose, I’d take Jane Austen’s complete works (yes, I know that’s a bit of a cheat!) because every time I go back to her novels, I always find something new.

Williamwood event The event will comprise a talk with readings and Q&A. The session will be an entertaining, informative and interactive insight into the life of a bestselling author, with lots of tips for budding readers and writers. The talk will focus on the latest book – Split Second, but it might also include information and readings from some of Sophie’s earlier titles. It will last between 45 minutes and one hour, followed by a book signing. Sophie is happy to sign copies of her books purchased on the day or brought from home.

Sophie Mckenzie on youtube ayer_embedded&v=KcnTY3lDxA8 hi66Q&feature=endscreen&NR=1 hi66Q&feature=endscreen&NR=1