There are seven books in the RORY BRANAGAN (DETECTIVE) series and this is the first, in which you meet Rory and his Accomplice, Cassidy, as they investigate the poisoning of Rory’s next-door neighbour.

RORY BRANAGAN: DETECTIVE | Kirkus Reviews RORY BRANAGAN: DETECTIVE | Kirkus Reviews

Sophie: I found Charlie and Me funny inspiring and sad – all at the same time – how did you manage to make it all these things? Rory: Yes, pictures make the books so much more welcoming. I also love Ralph, as well as his pictures, and when I’m writing, I’m always thinking of the things he loves to draw. He loves maps, and fantasy landscapes. Whenever I make Rory imagine a map, that’s like giving Ralph a treat. Toby: The bit about unicorns in book two – The Dog Squad – made me laugh out loud.Your books are really funny! Have you always been funny?

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Rory: When I wrote it, he seemed so real, I really felt I knew him. Only afterwards did I remember my childhood best friend was a Dublin boy, who’d been adopted. He was amazing, but no one is exactly like Rory. I have some of his wild imagination and sense of FURY when things go wrong. Mark: Hmmm. Great question. If I’d had a little brother, I’d like to think I could be as supportive, kind and understanding as Martin. I probably wouldn’t have been though I’m afraid! Liz: Tom is based on ME. I was very like him in some ways – I liked doodling too. I drew lots of pictures and he just looked like a Tom. Mark: I’ve always wanted to write. It was the only thing that kept me quiet at school! I started taking it seriously when I became a teacher, and found myself constantly writing stories and plays for the children in my class.

Rory Branagan Book 7: The Great Diamond Heist - Listening Books Rory Branagan Book 7: The Great Diamond Heist - Listening Books

Sophie: I really liked the surprise near the end – I won’t do a spoiler but how did you learn to become such a good writer? Liz: I think I’m still learning how to do both to be honest. For me the words and pictures go together – but I’ve been drawing more than I’ve been writing.

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Liz: YES! Well done to all of you taking part in READATHON. It’s so important to read anything you enjoy so keep it up! Toby: I would like to become a detective like Rory Branagan – would you like to be one or would you rather stay an author?

Rory Branagan (Detective) by Andrew Clover (9780008265830 Rory Branagan (Detective) by Andrew Clover (9780008265830

An absolutely HUGE crime has been committed at my school . . . Nobody likes our head dinner lady, but WHO would actually try to KILL her? And WHY? It's up to me and my Accomplice, Cassidy 'the Cat' Callaghan, to solve our DEADLIEST crime yet. Rory: I’ve always loved a laugh, and have learned more from being a comedian. I do loads of shows in schools. They are often wild, and I learn loads about what kids care about. And THAT, friends, is what Rory does, with the help of his Accomplice, Cassidy, in a BOOMTASTIC adventure involving dogs, cats, a wheelie bin chariot, a brave and daring rescue and Mrs Welkin, who fights crime in quite a surprising way. Toby: I love looking at pictures when I am reading a story – do you tell Ralph Lazar who draws the pictures what to draw, or does he give you ideas?

Sophie: I like the descriptions of Cornwall- the white beaches and blue sea and that it was so calm you could almost hear the rays of the sun..I think the nice thing about books is that you can see places you – where else would you like to write about? A fitting farewell, still funny, acute, and positive in its view of human nature even in its 37th episode. Sophie: What made you want to become a writer and how old were you when you first knew you wanted to write? Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments