Simon Mason (author) facts for kids
Simon Mason was born on February 5, 1962. He is a British writer. He writes books for children, teenagers, and adults. He also writes non-fiction books.
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About Simon Mason
Simon Mason was born in Sheffield, England. His father, Cliff Mason, was a football player. Simon studied English at Oxford University.
He worked for many years in publishing companies. These included Oxford University Press and Pushkin Press. He was also the managing director of David Fickling Books. Simon teaches creative writing at Oxford Brookes University. He lives in Oxford with his wife.
Books for Kids and Teens
Simon Mason has written many popular books for young readers.
The Quigleys Series
In 2002, he started a fun series called The Quigleys. These books are about a lively and loving family. The first book, The Quigleys, was nominated for the Branford Boase Award.
- The Quigleys, 2002
- The Quigleys Not for Sale, 2004
- The Quigleys at Large, 2004
- The Quigleys in a Spin
Moon Pie
His 2011 novel, Moon Pie, was nominated for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. This story is about how love helps families stay together. It follows a girl named Martha who takes care of her father and little brother.
Julia Eccleshare, who helped judge the prize, said: "This is a beautifully told story. It has lots of affection and is not preachy."
Garvie Smith Mysteries
In 2014, Mason wrote Running Girl. This is a mystery novel for young adults. It features Garvie Smith, a super smart math genius. He is a bit of a slacker but also a great detective.
- Running Girl was nominated for the 2014 Costa Children's Book Award.
- In 2016, the second book, Kid Got Shot, came out. It was called "clever, complex, original, and very, very absorbing."
- Kid Got Shot won the 2017 Crimefest Prize for Best Crime Novel for Young Adults.
- The third book, Hey, Sherlock!, was published in 2019. Author Philip Pullman called it "the most intriguing kind of whodunit."
Books for Adults
Simon Mason also writes crime novels for adults.
DI Ryan Wilkins Mysteries
He writes a crime series set in New Hinksey, a part of Oxford. The series features two detectives, both named Wilkins. Ryan Wilkins grew up in a trailer park. Ray Wilkins is more sophisticated.
- A Killing in November (2022) was the first book in this series. It was a Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month. It was also nominated for the CWA Gold Dagger award.
- The Broken Afternoon (2023) is the second book. It was also a Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month. This book is about a four-year-old girl who goes missing.
- Lost and Never Found (2024) is the third book. The Wilkins detectives investigate a celebrity's disappearance.
- A Voice in the Night (2025) is the fourth book in the series.
Finder Series
- Missing Person: Alice (2024) is the first book in a new series called 'Finder'.
Non-Fiction Books
Simon Mason also wrote The Rough Guide to Classic Novels. This book is part of the Rough Guides series. It was published in 2003.
Author Kate Mosse said that Simon's book "reads like a novel." She also said that it stands out because he believes a classic book must be entertaining.
