The Merry Christmas Murders by Alexandra Benedict

We welcome Alexandra Benedict to the blog today answering a few of our questions about her debut middle grade mystery, The Merry Christmas Murders.

 

 

Was it challenging to move from writing adult mystery to middle grade?

I was really aware when I started writing this book that I’d have to think even more carefully than usual about certain elements. The villain’s motives and the crimes themselves, for example would need to be tempered to be more suitable for a middle grade audience.

What elements were you able to keep and how did you ensure the level was correct?

All the elements of my adult mysteries are there – the same structure of reveals, red herrings, reversals and twists etc. I was overly cautious in ameliorating the darker elements, though, and undershot on my first draft, making it too young. My editor was invaluable in steering me then! Once I’d found the right balance, though, and my lead character’s voice was clear in my head, I absolutely loved writing it, even more than my adult thrillers if anything.

Which of the five characters is your favourite?

I can’t choose a favourite – that would be rude, and impossible! Brooke arrived in my head first and we see the whole story through her perspective, but I still love all the kids equally. I love Brooke’s vulnerability and resilience; Nisha’s clarity and humour; Robyn’s creativity and enthusiasm; Kellan’s energy and quick-silver thoughts; and Mikey’s style sense and the way he sees the world through smells.

Throughout the book, there are puzzles to solve- is this something you enjoy in your personal life?

I LOVE a puzzle and have done since I was tiny. I love jigsaws, still do Wordle and other puzzles daily, as well as solving a Rubik’s Magic as a physical stim. I’m also learning how to decode cryptic crosswords at the moment.

How important was it to have a cast of neurodivergent children lead the way?
Having five neurodivergent characters, all different, combining their unique strengths, was essential to me, and the first thing I put to my editors. They were really enthusiastic, thankfully! It means a lot to me in terms of representation – if I’d seen kids like me on the page when I was growing up, I may have felt less alone.

Are there plans for this to become a series?

Absolutely! Brooke and the Neurokind Club will be back solving more crimes next year in THE JINGLE BELL MURDERS. Hopefully, I’ll be able to write more in the series set at other times of the year, too.

 

 

THE MERRY CHRISTMAS MURDERS by Alexandra Benedict is out now in paperback for 9+ year old readers (£7.99, Simon & Schuster)