Kiss of Death selected for Booked Up 2008
Malcolm Rose's supernatural mystery thriller Kiss of Death has been selected for Booktrust's Booked Up scheme to provide free books for every Year 7 pupil in England.
A school trip turns into a nightmare when Kim and Wes leave the plague village of Eyam with more than they bargained for and a stolen artefact wreaks terrible revenge.
"taut, economical and evocative ... an enthralling read" Books for Keeps
"plenty of nice, gory detail ... to grab the reader's attention" The School Librarian
Booked Up is a national programme run by Booktrust and supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families to enable each child in participating schools to choose a free book. The 12 titles are selected by a Booktrust panel of reviewers. In 2007, over 630,000 books were given out.
“I think this scheme will boost all children's reading for pleasure and really help bridge the Year 6 to 7 gap for children, as they make that difficult move to a new secondary school."
Michael Rosen, Children's Laureate
Malcolm Rose writes: As soon as I heard about participating in Booked Up, three thoughts hit me. It’s fantastic that Kiss of Death will play its part in encouraging reading. It also means that more young people will celebrate the people of Eyam and their battle against plague. Also, as a writer, I need the occasional pat on the back and reassurance that I’m producing something that readers enjoy. Being selected for Booked Up gives me an injection of confidence so I'll work on my next project with renewed vigour.
When did you start writing, and where does your inspiration come from? I used to be told off at school for daydreaming. Now, as a fiction writer, I make my living from it! While studying chemistry at university, I started writing stories because it allowed me to be anyone, go anywhere and do anything. In my imagination, I am a great musician, the best footballer, a devious murderer, the world’s leading detective, and many other characters.
I write only about topics that make me passionate. That might be because I really like or loathe them. I am inspired by things I like (science, nature, music, football, etc), and angered by things I dislike (the corrupting effect of money and politics, racism, bullies, cruelty, etc). I often get ideas by looking through newspapers and science magazines; there’s a weird and wonderful – and sometimes horrible – world out there with plenty of inspiration for a writer.
- See more questions we asked Malcolm Rose
- Read Malcolm Rose's writing tips on his website
- Read an extract and find out more about Kiss of Death
More books by Malcolm Rose
The Tortured Wood
Dillon struggles to make friends at his new school, and he begins to believe the community is hiding a dark secret. He finds refuge in the wood at the heart of the mystery. Will the wood give up its dark secret?
"A gripping story ... Good spooky stuff."
Adèle Geras, Times Education Supplement
Forbidden Island
Mike and his friends ignore the clear warning sign. They decide to explore the mysterious island, not knowing just how dangerous it will turn out to be. As they stumble across a deadly secret, they realize they are alone in a race against time… before they become the island’s next victims.
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