Puffin nets Jardine's Detention Detectives

Puffin has netted The Detention Detectives by debut author and school librarian Lis Jardine, described as “an exciting new voice” in contemporary middle-grade fiction. 

Former editor Millie Lean acquired world rights for two books from Lucy Irvine at PFD. Puffin assistant editor Katie Sinfield has taken the project on and it will be published in January 2023 in paperback and e-book. The second instalment will follow in January 2024.

Puffin said: “Perfect for readers aged nine to 12 years old, the Detention Detectives are three unlikely friends trying to solve the mystery of their high-school teacher’s murder. Lis’s impressive debut guarantees new favourite characters and absorbing, twisty plots, and readers of Sharna Jackson and Robin Stevens will love this fresh take on a classic genre, that will hook avid detective story fans and commercial middle-grade readers alike."

The synopsis explains: “Jonno never wanted to move schools. What about his friends? The basketball team? The band? So he makes zero effort to fit in with his new classmates at Hanbridge High. But then he finds the body... One thing Jonno does love is a mystery. And when he thinks that the wrong person has been arrested for the  crime, he just can’t help getting involved. He’s not alone; ’Star Trek’ superfan Daniel and snoopy school reporter Lydia are desperate to solve the case too. And with every single teacher at school a suspect... Jonno’s going to need all the help he can get.”

Jardine said: “I’m beyond thrilled to be working on The Detention Detectives with the fantastic team at Puffin. My own teen reading was dominated by the queens of crime – Christie, Allingham, Sayers and Marsh  – and I was inspired to bring a flavour of those character-driven crime novels to a younger audience with this contemporary, school-based mystery. I hope readers will enjoy following Jonno, Lydia and Daniel as they attempt to solve Mr Baynton’s murder in their own unique way."

Sinfield said: “I loved Lis’ voice from the start because she expertly draws on her experience as a school librarian to write for kids brilliantly. Jonno, Lydia and Daniel are such a funny and relatable trio in a familiar British school setting, and I was completely captivated by the unlikely scenario they find themselves in. We’re so excited to publish Lis, and for readers to meet their new crime-busting heroes, The Detention Detectives!’

Irvine added: “Lis’s whip-smart plotting will grip you from the very first page, alongside a cast of characters who have burrowed their way into my heart. I’m so thrilled that Lis has found a home with Puffin and can’t wait to see this pacey, heartfelt mystery hit the shelves!”