Derek Landy: Death Bringer

Scottish Book Trust and Harper Collins were dead excited to bring Irish writing sensation, Derek Landy to the Mitchell Theatre on Monday 5^th September 2011 to celebrate the release of the sixth book in the Skulduggery Pleasant series, Death Bringer. Pupils from 28 schools from across Scotland turned up to meet Derek Landy, and they were not disappointed.

Derek Landy is the author of the bestselling series, Skulduggery Pleasant: an addictive and jam-packed series of novels which follow the enigmatic detective Skulduggery Pleasant through a murky fantasy underworld of crime. The books touch on a variety of genres such as crime, action, thrillers and horror but they are also very funny and witty which is part of the reason they have been a massive hit with children across the UK and Ireland.

There is also a fantastic website to support the books http://www.skulduggerypleasant.co.uk which features details of the characters, an interview and blogs from Derek, as well as games and downloads for everyone to enjoy. Go check it out if you dare!

Author Biography

Derek Landy is far too modest to talk about any awards or accolades his books may have won. He will not, for instance, mention the fact that his first book, Skulduggery Pleasant, won the Red House Children’s Book Award, or that his second, Playing With Fire, won an Irish Book Award for Children’s Book of the Year, or that his third, The Faceless Ones, is his mother’s personal favourite.

He lives in Ireland with a variety of cats, a German Shepherd, and two geriatric Staffordshire Bull Terriers who keep peeing on his kitchen floor because they think it’s funny.

Pupil Feedback

Derek Landy was very funny but at the same time he told us facts about his books and life which was interesting to listen to and ask questions about. I haven't read his books but I would love to now! Hannah, 10, Clydemuir Primary School

Derek Landy's event was thoroughly enjoyable mainly beacuase he was quite funny. With witty comments throughout he kept the audience happy and laughing.... He was nice to us when he said that if we write stories now then we're all writers! I thoroughly enjoyed it! Jo, 11, St. Conval's Primary School

I learned that it doesn't matter where you come from, that if you believe in yourself it could happen. I like going to see Derek Landy because it showed me that all you need is inspiration. Amiee, 11, St. Agatha's Primary School

He was really funny and entertaining, it was really good.  Billie-Jo, 11, Castleton Primary School

I thought the Scottish Book Trust Event was hilarious! I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my seat. I would definitely go to another event and it has inspired me to read A LOT more. Since the event I have read two hundred and fifty pages of the first Skulduggery Pleasant book in ONE day! The Scottish Book Trust did a fantastic job and I have told all my friends how good the event was. Fraser, 11, Houston Primary School

I really enjoyed the Derek Landy talk. Derek was very funny and he was quite silly. Seeing Derek really inspired me to read more books and write better stories. Andrew, 11, Houston Primary School

I liked going to see Derek Landy and I thought he was super funny. I had not read any of his books but he had inspired me to. Andrew, 11, Golfhill Primary School

It was very interesting to have heard an author talk about his life and to have learned directly about how the books come about. Overall the trip was a fun and exciting experience, not to mention very educational. Amy and Kirsty, 14, Bearsden Academy

It was amazing! Hilariously funny and amazingly interesting! ***** 5 Star! Sean, 10, St. Teresa's Primary School

It was brilliant! Shareen, 9, St. Bernard's Primary School

Teacher Feedback

Absolutely excellent. Derek Landy enthused about his writing in a light-hearted, entertaining manner. Lots of laughs = lots of enjoyment = a great learning experience for the pupils! Bridie Gibb, St. Anthony's Primary School

The children were transfixed by the author, encouraging them to read the books. Jo Barbour, St. Michael's Primary School

Extremely entertaining and was an inspiration for many of our pupils. David Crawford, Whiteinch Primary School

Excellent. We all (adults and children) thoroughly enjoyed it. Sheena Gray, Golfhill Primary School