Alex T. Smith illustrates comical new mystery novel for young readers.
Recently described by The Guardian newspaper as “outrageously funny and lavishly illustrated”, Murder! by Narwhal! by award-winning national treasure Alex T. Smith has already been selected as one of their best books for autumn.
This highly illustrated brand-new, tongue in cheek murder mystery for 8-12 years olds is set to intrigue and delight fans of Alex’s delightfully charming humorous writing style. Renowned for being the 'king of Christmas publishing' with Mr Penguin, The Grumpus, The Miraculous Sweet Makers, The Nutcracker and beloved Winston, Alex has taken a step into autumnal publishing with this brilliantly gripping adventure.
The opulent cover echoes the by-gone inspirations behind this publication and will have books leaping off the shelves and into readers hands. The interior is filled to the brim with exquisite black and white line drawings of the characters, clues and exhibits.
When the tyrannical family patriarch Sir Ignatius Gristle is murdered on his 90th birthday at his country estate, every one of his gathered family members is a suspect. Trapped by a snowstorm with no way to contact the police, it's up to his mettlesome granddaughter, Edna, and her trusted tortoise, Charles Darwin to determine whodunnit!
Alex is known the world over for his incredible skill for character design and world creation and this new series showcases this in bucket loads. His intuitive skill for storytelling and sneaking in delightful visual gags ensure his books always become a huge hit with booksellers, readers, parents, teachers and librarians.
Interesting facts about Alex ...
Do you prefer writing or illustrating?
I really like them both so I can’t pick between them, but when I’m doing one I always want to be doing the other. I always write my books first before drawing any pictures but I see the illustrations in my head as I’m writing the words, so it’s all a bit of jumble. It all works out in the end though. I think…
What do you love about detective stories?
The mystery and the intrigue! I like wondering about all the characters and seeing if I can guess what bits are clues and which bits are dastardly red herrings!
Have you ever had a cool pet like Charles Darwin?
Sadly, I’ve never had a pet tortoise, but I do have a goldfish called Princess Diana, four tiny, bonkers dogs and three VERY, VERY bossy pet chickens who enjoy shouting at me all day. (I love them despite this. Especially their fluffy, feathery-bottomed waddles as the promenade around the garden, screaming.)
Are you a fan of the game Cluedo?
Do you know I haven’t played that for years! I’m going to play it over Christmas now! There’s something nice about playing boardgames at Christmas. Especially ones about murder…
Do you ever guess the endings to murder mysteries?
Sometimes I do, but strangely it doesn’t spoil the book for me - I love finding all the clues and working out WHODUNIT with the detectives in the story! Also, Murder mystery books often have intriguing settings - creaky old country houses, spooky theatres, even sinister schools, and I love reading all about those sorts of places.
Will there be more Grimacres whodunnits?
Absolutely! I’m working on the next one right now but I’m not allowed to say anything about it because it is TOP. SECRET.
What’s your favourite book of all time?
So many I’ll be naughty and pick two - grown up book: Love In A Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford. Children’s book: Eloise by Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight. Both VERY hilarious!
Can you describe your book in three words, OR a very short sentence?
Silly, intriguing, mysterious…
What was the hardest part of writing it?
When you write a mystery you have to almost work backwards, making sure you keep WHODUNIT a secret right to the very end.
Tell us about the main character?
Edna Gristle is nosy, giddy, opinionated, brave, hates onions, loves tortoises and spends most of the book detecting (and meddling) whilst dressed in her pyjamas and an old fur coat.
Which character in your book is most like you?
I think Edna is probably quite a lot like me as a child although I was much shyer. Her friend Archie is a bit like me too because he enjoys drawing and looking after hens. I’m probably also bit like the cook, Mrs Crumpet too because I do love a good chinwag at any and all opportunities.
Who was your favourite character to draw?
I liked drawing all the characters, but Edna’s elderly great aunt is very stylish and very fabulous and terribly fond of wearing lots and lots of jewellery, so maybe she was my most favourite to illustrate.
Alex is a hugely talented creative with an indescribable talent across many genres, from picture books, to animation, fiction, YA fiction and everything in between. He lives with with some high-spirited hens and several characterful small dogs, Alex is truly one of the most highly respected and admired children’s author/illustrators in the UK, and we couldn’t be more delighted to celebrate the publication of Murder! By Narwhal! Published by Hachette Children’s Books this Halloween, grab a copy HERE.
Take a look at Alex’s fantastic online portfolio on our website.
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