1a. Hello Mrs. Singleton! How long have you been writing Children’s Literature and approximately how many Children’s books have you traditionally published?

I have published over 55 traditional books, mostly MG/YA series plus 7 picture books.

1b. What is the name of your favorite book that you have written?

The book that I think is the best I’ve ever written was originally titled MEMORY GIRL, a futuristic YA set on an island where no one ages past 25. The title was changed to MEMORY TRAP when it was re‐released by a small publisher who folded last year, so now it is no longer available but copies are still online.

1c. When did you first publish a kidlit mystery?

While some of my early series had mystery elements, the first series where a main character acted like a detective would be THE SEER series, 6 books from Flux, was my first YA mystery series, and is still available as e‐books. It was my most successful series and two fans, mother‐daughter, even had matching THE SEER book covers tattooed on their arms.

What would you say are the themes across all of your many Children’s Mystery publications?

I believe strongly in the power of friendship, kindness, justice, and accepting people despite differences. These themes are in all of my novels. In fact, in the Curious Cat Spy Club series, after my three characters who have nothing in common rescue three kittens, they begin the CCSC to help animals by solving mysteries and by volunteering and donating funds for the Humane Society.

What themes are represented in your latest kidlit mystery?

My most recent middle grade is a book I wrote for fans of the Curious Cat Spy Club series and since the publisher didn’t want it, I published it myself for fans: HUNT FOR THE SILVER DRAGON. In addition, I have a mystery (I LOVE MYSTERIES) coming out with Charlesbridge/Move in 2027 with themes of friendship, compassion, and justice.

Who are some of your favorite kidlit mystery writers and what are some of the book titles?

I grew up loving a series, Judy Bolton mysteries, and continued enjoying vintage mystery series. Some current authors I enjoy are Wendelin Van Draanen for her Sammy Keyes mysteries, Taryn Saunders, Margaret Peterson Haddix, and a new YA series The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson.

Why are kidlit mysteries important for children to read?

The books kids read between ages 8‐12 can have a powerful influence on their reading choices for life. Many kids, choose fantasy and dragons are still especially popular‐which is fine. But I would love to see more kids choosing mysteries which almost always end in good defeating evil. Reading mysteries also trains their minds to solve puzzles and to pay attention to clues which can become a fun guessing game of who‐done‐it. Also, having good triumph over evil can instill a strong moral code. The good news is that lately there are a large number of really good mysteries published for kids.

Any new books or events on the horizon that you want to mention?

On November 29 in Valley Springs I will be signing books at the good Samaritan church for their Christmas bizarre. And on Dec 13, I’ll be signing books at Preston Castle in Ione for a holiday craft fair.

How can people purchase your books?

On my website, www.LindaJoySingleton.com there are links under the topic BOOKS. Also they can be ordered through bookstores and online.

You are open to giving a free manuscript critique or free book to someone who likes and comments on your interview on my blog. Which type of manuscript? How many words or pages? Or which book of yours?

I’m happy to give a book. They can choose between my new KID & KID or one of my middle grade mysteries.

Any other comments?

Thank you!!!!