Posts Tagged mystery

Solve Your Own Mystery with Gareth Jones

By on May 15, 2026   /   Author Interviews  

Today on the Mixed-Up Files, we have the pleasure of interviewing Gareth P. Jones, author of the recently published Solve Your Own Mystery series, which is cleverly illustrated by Louise Forshaw. Gareth is a multitalented writer, musician, TV producer, and performer, and I was thrilled to be able to go behind the scenes with these twisty mysteries that have more than one solution! These books definitely offer lots of twists and turns, and I couldn’t wait for the chance to hear more about how they came together.
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Thanks so much for joining us here at the Mixed-Up Files, Gareth! These books are so creative and such fun, giving readers so many reasons to go back to the story and see how things might turn out differently. What a great idea for a mystery! The obvious question I must ask first is do these mysteries take any inspiration from the classic Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books? If so, did you have a favorite?

Yes and yes. As a young reader, I loved books like Fighting Fantasy books and Choose Your Own Adventure, but my favorite was a series called Lone Wolf. I loved the fantasy world and the stories (written by Joe Dever), but it is the illustrations by Gary Chalk that will remain firmly lodged in my mind forevermore.

Unlike the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure series, one of the best features of the Solve Your Own Mystery books is that there are no wrong answers, just more adventures and investigations to be had. Can you share with us a little of how you worked on the structure of these books, making sure the storylines overlapped and diverged at the right spots? It seems like a feat to arrange all these parts in such satisfying ways. And are you more of a plotter or a pantser when it comes to working with characters and twisty mysteries like these?

I plot as I write, which is another way of saying that I make up stories as I go along. With a series like this, it would have made more sense to work out a structure and go in with a plan, but I didn’t do any of that. I just started writing. Then, when I got to the end of each chapter, I worked out what two paths lay ahead then wrote them. I did map out what was happening as I went along so I could work out which chapters 

you had to hit. I have no idea if the story is satisfying for all readers, but I tried to make sure that even if there are things you miss, you have the chance to go back and find out more. I went completely mad writing these books and I was very grateful to my editors for helping me to untangle the almighty mess I had created for myself. I loved it though. More than ever before, it felt like I had to climb inside the story, because the story had so many possibilities—rather than one linear course.

Solve Your Own Mystery: The Time Thief cover

Haventry is a fascinating place to explore, and its residents are equally fun to meet. Do you have characters that are particularly fun for you to write? (Watson always made me smile, and I especially enjoyed Bernard the time-bending lobster!)

Oh, I love Watson too. He wasn’t in the first draft of the book. I created him as a solution to a problem. In that earlier version, I realized you’d park your car one place and then might suddenly find it somewhere else. I needed a car that was more independently minded than most. That’s when I hit the idea of a car that used to be a dog. Those are always my favourite moments, when I can solve a problem with solution that makes the whole thing better. There’s another instance of this in Book 4 with Dr. Heckyll and Mr. Jibe, but you’ll have to wait to meet him/them. I loved the witches too, so they popped up in all of the books.

The second person perspective is used perfectly in these two mysteries—it’s amazing how much “you” can do without actually saying a word.

Yes, I decided that I didn’t want to put words into the reader’s mouth and then I had to stick with this. I have been working on a fresh take on this idea recently (called The Oddjob Murder Club), in which I have allowed you the reader to speak, but with Solve Your Own Mystery, I decided to have fun with the idea that you didn’t speak. So there are several moments when you’re about to speak and someone interrupts you. Also, if you read the whole series you will discover that YOU undergo changes as you make your way through this world. Just like any good main character, your journey changes you.

Louise Forshaw’s illustrations add such fabulous dimension to these tales. Did you get to collaborate on what Haventry and the characters would look like?

I love them too. And yes, we did, although in truth I’m not really a visual writer. I don’t see pictures when I write. I hear voices. Mostly, I just told Louise how much I loved her pictures. She has quite a gothic sensibility so she instantly got it.

Writing is just one of your many talents! How do you see all your various gifts and interests playing into your writing?

Solve Your Own Mystery: The Monster MakerI don’t know. It’s all creativity, isn’t it. I spend most of my time making stuff up, but annoyingly, I do also have to ensure my creative efforts occasionally make money. This year, I’m putting more of an emphasis on performance. I’m taking my Ministry of Mini Musicals on a tour of libraries and a short run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, putting on one-man musicals based on my picture books, but it’s a two-way street and sometimes the shows inspire the books. One of the inspirations behind the Solve Your Own series was a show called Mystery Makers, in which the audience improvises a brand-new mystery. I love doing that show and I wondered if there was a way of writing books that felt as anarchic and interactive—and that’s what I did.

Can we expect more mysteries on the Shady Side with Klaus?

Yes, there are two more books coming your way: The Missing Magic and The Transylvanian Express. After that, who knows? I have no plans for more, but I’d drop everything and start writing another if a publisher asked me.

If you could give writers any advice, what would it be?

Don’t listen to writing advice. Don’t worry about what other people are doing. The real magic of writing is the moment of creation. After that, it’s all marketing, so enjoy creating something from nothing and try not to worry about anything else.

Thank you for your time and for these great books, Gareth.

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The Time Thief and The Monster Maker are both out now, so grab a copy and start solving!

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Author Interview: Daphne Benedis-Grab (I KNOW YOU STARTED IT)

By on April 24, 2026   /   Author Interviews  

Book cover for I KNOW YOU STARTED IT by Daphne Benedis-Grab

Daphne Benedis-Grab has thrilled audiences with her Secrets and Lies series, and she’s back with a fourth installment: I KNOW YOU STARTED IT. With a crackling mystery and captivating characters, the book is a firestorm of suspense and intrigue. Daphne was kind enough to join the blog to talk about her writing process, her inspirations, and the power of words. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

From the very first chapter, I felt like I was in such good hands when it came to the central mystery of the book. How important is that opening line or that chapter to you when you’re writing? 

That is a really good question. I put a lot of thought into where we’re starting – what’s going to be that inciting incident that kicks things off. So we start at a place where there’s room to get to know the characters. But we’re in it. We are not wasting a second. We are not leading up to it. It’s there. It’s starting. 

The reader is right there from that beginning point –  you are part of it. I think particularly in a mystery or a thriller, you’re getting on a ride and it’s going fast. 

How important is it for you as the writer to know the ending of the book as you’re starting that opening? 

For me (and I know everybody writes differently) it’s essential. 

I need to know where I’m going. I always write from an outline, and hammering out an outline is one of the hardest parts of writing for me  – because I can come up with a lot of really fun inciting incidents and ideas, but does it have legs to sustain interest? 

Is there going to be room for a twist or two in there? And is it going to stick the landing? Is it going to be something that I can see an ending all the way through that is going to be extremely satisfying for readers? 

And if I can’t, if I don’t know what the ending is – I don’t know where I’m going with it.

So, everything needs to lead to that twist – and then to the final reveal. 

This book is told through multiple perspectives, and you did an incredible job getting into the psyche of each of those characters. Did you always plan to tell this story that way? 

Yes, so all of the Secrets and Lies books have three to four narrators, and I am inspired by the books that I have read with multiple characters. I used to do just one character narrating – either 1st or 3rd person. But when I read a couple of really well-narrated books with a number of different narrators, I understood this keeps the reader guessing – because none of us know what the full story is, right? 

In any given situation, everyone is going to have a different perspective, and that’s going to be based on who we are and how we perceive things and how our brains work and our experiences in the world.

And so, to tell a story in a book really well, I feel like you need those multiple characters who are going to give this different perspective and this different take on the bigger situation.

The reader then has a fuller picture than they otherwise might if it’s just that one person. 

Do you have an exercise or anything you do to get into that mindset more fully when you’re moving from character to character? 

That’s a really fun question. So one thing is that when I make the outline, I’m very conscious of who’s narrating what. And sometimes I’ll come to something and I’ll be like –  wait a minute – another person discovered this, and then I have to restructure things. But by the time I’m sitting down and writing, it’s organic who I’m going to be going to next. 

And if it doesn’t feel right, then that’s not the problem. That’s telling me that this probably isn’t the character to narrate this.

Another thing is that when I write – because I have the outline – I’m never sitting down to write a book. I’m sitting down to write a scene. And when I know what that scene is and who that narrator is, it makes it a lot easier to dive in.

That said, if I’m sitting and I’ve come to a chapter break and I’m moving into the next one, I definitely need a break. I need to do a little reset, where I dive into the next character so it’s their voice. 

I love how you break the book into the five stages of the fire, from kindling through incineration. Is that how you structure the outline too? Or does that come along later in the process? 

100%, yes. And I love devices like that. I love a book written in letters or written with texts or there’s a little something at the top of the chapter that gives you some insights to something else. That’s one of my favorite things. And all of these books, I’ve tried to have something like that. 

I looked up the stages of a fire, and I was like – oh, this is perfect. Many moons ago, I read Robert McKee’s books, and now each act has to get built in intensity – and that’s perfect for a fire, right?

Absolutely! Through all of the twists and the turns of the book (which there are many, and they’re wonderful and surprising!), there are important ideas that come through as well. Seeing people as they truly are, standing up for one another and oneself, and being aware of online bullying. 

Did those themes start from the beginning, or did they find you as you’re writing the story? 

That’s a really interesting question. They tend to find me as I’m writing.

But I’m very aware of the things that are important to me to lift up when I write. Part of that comes from parenting children and from being a school librarian. And the things that I see – [that] my students grapple with, and in the fears that they have and how scary it is to speak up – and how lonely you feel when you’re bullied and how that’s part of it. 

A theme that I come to again and again in my writing, but also my life is that – evil grows in darkness, right? It’s hidden when it’s secret, when we hold it, and there isn’t the light of many people seeing it.

That’s when it grows. 

How do we shine that light? How do we bring it into those same corners and lift things up?

Another thing that’s always really important to me is understanding that everybody has a story and that we might present in a certain way. And you don’t understand where someone’s coming from you.
You don’t know them. You can think that you do. You can judge on a few features. 

But everybody has a story and everyone has a perspective. And we’re missing out in life if we’re not getting a little bit more of that. 

There’s a line at the end of the book where Liam says, “Words can be dangerous.” How do you feel about that line as an author and a librarian and someone who’s concerned about young people? 

Of course, the first place my brain goes to is social media, right? Where words live forever. Where you always have a digital footprint. Where the things that you can say without thought can cause such incredible damage to another person – to a situation where you can get pushed to do something that you just would never do if you stop to think. 

I think words have power in that way, but words also have the most important and the most beautiful power because they can express us and they can express our stories.

And when you have language to name your feelings and name what you’re thinking and name who you are – that’s how you exist and own space in the world.

That’s so beautiful and important. Thank you!

 

Author photo of Daphne Benedis-Grab


Daphne Benedis-Grab is the award winning author of the Secrets and Lies Novels, companion middle grade books that include I Know Your Secret, I Know You’re Lying and I Will Find You, as well as the young adult book The Girl in the Wall. Her middle grade book The Angel Tree was made into a Hallmark Original movie. She earned her MFA from The New School and is the librarian at Warder Elementary School in Arvada, Colorado. She lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband, two college student kiddos and cats Mishka and Blue.

More at daphnebg.com

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Interview & giveaway: Donna Galanti’s Unicorn Island 2: Secret Beneath the Sand

By on March 11, 2022   /   Articles  

I’m thrilled to have author Donna Galanti here with me today. We’re both unicorn lovers, and she has another delightful book in her Unicorn Island series to share with us. We’re both so glad this book has finally arrived after its long journey.

Book summary

Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand (Volume 2)
By Donna Galanti
Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe
Andrews McMeel Publishing (Simon & Schuster)

Unicorn Island is a middle-grade illustrated novel series about a young girl who discovers a mysterious island full of mythical beasts. School Library Journal says that “Fans of unicorns and magic in the real world will enjoy this adventure,” and Foreword Reviews claims it’s “An all-too-human, enchanting middle grade fantasy novel.”

In Volume 2 of the Unicorn Island series, Secret Beneath the Sand, Sam and Tuck are on their way to becoming unicorn protectors when they discover new secrets about the island that threaten unicorns’ existence!

Sam can’t believe how much her life and luck have changed since she came to Foggy Harbor: First, she discovered that unicorns are real, and now she’s on her way to becoming an actual unicorn protector! With her new friend, Tuck, by her side during Uncle Mitch’s lessons, Sam finally feels like she’s home.

But as the long-buried dangers of Unicorn Island begin to surface and a mysterious scourge spreads throughout the herd, Sam learns the truth behind Aunt Sylvie’s disappearance and her own connection to the island. With determination, courage, and fierce loyalty to one another—and to their code as unicorn protectors—the kids set out to protect the island’s secrecy and the unicorns’ very existence.

Donna is giving away one hardcover copy of Secret Beneath the Sand that Kirkus Reviews says is “A sweet but not overly sugary treat for unicorn devotees.” Open to U.S residents only please. Enter below!

Interview with Donna and Laurie:

Laurie: What was the inspiration behind this second Unicorn Island story idea for Secret Beneath the Sand?

Donna: I wanted to continue Sam’s story of becoming a full-fledged unicorn protector while also adding a new layer of mystery to the unicorn magic and solving the mystery presented in book one. I also wanted the characters to explore more of the island itself on their adventures so its mysteries—and challenges—are revealed. With these elements in mind, the story grew. I also knew I wanted to add in new fantastical creatures, and they were fun to create!

L: In the story, a mysterious disease threatens the unicorns. Even though unicorns are mythical, was there any research involved in writing this story?

D: Absolutely! My research was based on real-life science. I looked to the plight of elephants with their tusks being poached as a source of inspiration in relation to unicorn horns and their dire situation in the story. The atrocities that still plague elephants deeply affect me. Recent studies even suggest that as a result of widespread poaching, elephants are rapidly evolving to have no tusks.

L: Throughout the series, you introduce both science and magic. What was your purpose in combining these?

D: I love combining both science and magic in this story as I like to think we can have our feet in both worlds—and together, they can do wonders. It also adds to the conflict of the story as some characters view science as the answer and some view magic as the answer. Together, they discover that maybe both are necessary.

L: The story centers around not just unicorns but family and a sense of home. How does this change for Sam, the main character, in this second book?

Unicorn book coversD: Sam discovered new family in book one, but she is still drawn to solving another family mystery. This drives her to take high-risk actions in Secret Beneath the Sand to uncover the truth in the hope of benefiting those she loves. Through her choices, she comes to strengthen the foundation of her sense of home as she navigates this mystery.

L: You have other fantastical creatures in Unicorn Island besides unicorns. What influenced you to create them and add them into the story?

D: One of my favorite little wild animals are chipmunks. I grew up with them and loved to discover them in the woods. For years, I was sad to not live in chipmunk territory, but since moving last year, I was ecstatic to discover I am now back in chipmunk land! Hence, why they had an influence on me creating a similar creature in Secret Beneath the Sand. As a young reader in school, I was also fascinated with the mythical character of Grendel from the Anglo-Saxon epic poem, “Beowulf.” I’m drawn to tragic characters, and his was quite tragic—and why I’ve included a nod to him in this story. I’ve also been super lucky to have had the amazing illustrator, Bethany Stancliffe, bring these creatures to life!

L: I love chipmunks too! What a fun animal to include with your unicorns! And now that we’ve heard a bit about books one and two, I hope you’ll give us a sneak peek into what we can expect when the third volume of Unicorn Island releases in winter of 2023. Can you share some of what’s next for Sam and her best friend, Tuck, and the unicorns in this final installment of the series?

D: In the working title, Beyond the Portal, Sam is inspired to solve the final mystery of her family and save the unicorns. Once again, she puts herself in dire danger to do so, accompanied by her friend, Tuck. I won’t give too much away, except to say that much of this story takes place in a new and perilous setting. Tuck and Sam face the unknown again in a much more impactful way that has far-reaching consequences for all. 😊

Purchase the Unicorn Island series at your favorite bookseller here:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Unicorn-Island-Secret-Beneath-the-Sand/Donna-Galanti/Unicorn-Island/9781524871970

 Watch the book trailer for Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand here:

Download fun Secret Beneath the Sand activities and check out an excerpt from Secret Beneath the Sand below:

Sam frowned. A month ago, it had seemed that Mel, Foggy Harbor’s veterinarian and Tuck’s mom, had cured Barloc of a strange illness. But now that Sam thought about it, the young unicorn had seemed more tired this past week. He was running more slowly and sleeping a lot more.

She knelt in front of Barloc, looking into his violet eyes. I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I promise. She gripped the necklace that Verny had given to her. Made from a unicorn tail, it was a symbol of his trust.

Barloc closed his eyes. I’m just tired. I have been since I got back to the island.

Sam bent her head to his and laid a hand on his horn. It felt warm against her fingers. She frowned and held the back of her hand against his horn to make sure she wasn’t imagining things. It was definitely radiating heat.

“Uncle Mitch,” Sam said, her voice quavering, “I think something’s wrong with Barloc.”

Uncle Mitch quickly knelt down next to her. He checked the young unicorn’s eyes and breathing, then stroked his horn.

“His horn is warm,” Sam whispered. “What does it mean?”

Uncle Mitch shook his head and bit his lip as he continued his inspection. Barloc whinnied softly, looking into Sam’s eyes.

“I know you don’t want to think about this, but . . . it could be the sign of another disease,” Tuck said.

“No!” Sam shook her head and jumped up. As she did, the ground beneath her suddenly rocked. She fell to her knees as the earth buckled. Uncle Mitch grabbed both her and Tuck, pulling them in close as Verny screeched and took to the skies, circling overhead with frenzied dips.

The herd bolted across the meadow in confusion and fear as Barloc bowed his head, digging his hooves into the quaking earth.

 

Donna Galanti is the author of the middle grade adventure Joshua and the Lightning Road, which the Midwest Book Review called, “A heart-pounding thrill ride full of unexpected twists and turns from start to finish.” She’s also the author of the follow up, Joshua and the Arrow Realm, the popular Unicorn Island series, and the Element Trilogy thrillers for adults. Donna is a member of From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors blog, regularly presents as a guest author at schools, and teaches writers through her online Udemy courses. She’s lived in fun locations including England, her family-owned campground in New Hampshire, and in Hawaii where she served as a U.S. Navy photographer for Fleet Intelligence Pacific. Donna is represented by Liza Fleissig of the LRA Agency. Visit her at donnagalanti.com.

 

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