Simon Mason (author) facts for kids
Simon Mason (born February 5, 1962) is a British writer. He is known for writing fun books for kids and young adults, as well as novels for grown-ups.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Simon Mason was born in Sheffield, England. His father was the famous soccer player Cliff Mason. After finishing school, he studied English at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Mason worked in the world of books. He held important jobs at publishing companies like Oxford University Press and David Fickling Books. He has also taught creative writing at Oxford Brookes University. He lives in Oxford with his wife.
Books for Young Readers
Simon Mason has written several popular books for children and teenagers. His stories are often praised for being exciting, funny, and full of heart.
The Quigleys Series
In 2002, Mason introduced the world to the Quigleys, a fun and quirky family. The books follow their funny adventures. The first book, The Quigleys, was even nominated for the Branford Boase Award, a special prize for new authors.
The series includes:
- The Quigleys (2002)
- The Quigleys Not for Sale (2004)
- The Quigleys at Large (2004)
- The Quigleys in a Spin (2006)
Moon Pie
Mason's 2011 novel, Moon Pie, is a story about a girl named Martha. She has to take care of her dad and her little brother, Tug, after her mom passes away. The book explores how love can help a family through tough times. It was nominated for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.
One of the judges, Julia Eccleshare, said the book is "a beautifully told story that is long on affection."
The Garvie Smith Mysteries
For teens who love a good puzzle, Mason created the Garvie Smith series. The main character, Garvie, is a super-smart teenager who is a genius at math but often acts like a slacker. He uses his amazing brain to solve mysteries.
- Running Girl (2014): The first book in the series. Garvie investigates a mysterious case. It was shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award.
- Kid Got Shot (2016): The second thriller featuring Garvie Smith. It won the 2017 Crimefest Prize for Best Crime Novel for Young Adults.
- Hey, Sherlock! (2019): The third book in the series. Famous author Philip Pullman called it "the most intriguing kind of whodunit."
Novels for Adults
Simon Mason also writes crime novels for adults. His most famous series features two detectives, both named Wilkins, who solve crimes in Oxford. The first book, A Killing in November (2022), was very popular and was named a Crime Book of the Month by the Sunday Times. The series has been compared to the famous Inspector Morse stories, but updated for today.
Other books in this series include The Broken Afternoon (2023), Lost and Never Found (2024), and A Voice in the Night (2025).
Non-Fiction Writing
Besides fiction, Mason wrote a guide to classic books called The Rough Guide to Classic Novels. The book was created to show that classic literature can be exciting and fun to read, not just something for school. Author Kate Mosse praised the book, saying it proves that a classic book should always be entertaining.
