Niyla Farook on Murder for Two and mystery books for kids

When Murder for Two, and its stars, the Tariq Twins, landed on our desks last year, we immediately knew they were a great fit for our Cockatoo subscribers. A pair of funny, brave, hugely relatable young wannabe detectives with their own complicated family dynamic, Ani and Riri set out to solve a murder in this fun and moving mystery adventure, perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Sharna Jackson. We love the evolving relationship between the two sisters, the witty dialogue and intriguing storyline. Here author Niyla Farook tells us about creating the characters we fell in love with and which other middle grade murder mysteries she recommends you read next.

What inspired you to write Murder for Two?

I’ve always loved murder mysteries – shows like Murder, She Wrote and books by authors like Agatha Christie – but growing up, I hadn’t seen myself reflected and represented in them. One day, I had the idea of brown and Muslim twins solving a murder mystery in a small, diverse West Yorkshire town and ran with it!

Which character was the most fun to write and why?

I absolutely love Ani and Riri – they’re both so fun but different. It’s always great to write from both of their points of view because while I plan each chapter, the dialogue tends to writes itself! So, there’s a lot of discovery with them both that I enjoy. 

Which character do you think learns the most about themselves?

Definitely Riri. She’s one of the main characters (she’s the one on the cover who’s wearing a beautiful hijab!). She’s new to mystery-solving – and to the UK – and is more timid than her twin sister, Ani. She’s everything most of us are – squeamish, sensitive and shy. None of those are bad things but she definitely learns how to use with those skills – instead of working against them – to find the murderer. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that Riri does the big reveal at the end – something she wouldn’t have imagined in her first chapter!

What message would like young readers to take away from the book?

The message I would like young readers to take away from the book is that reading – especially a murder mystery – is fun! It’s transportive and the characters can be as real as we want them to be. I’d also like young readers to know that working together can be the best thing, and that differences can be unique, brilliant things that each person can bring to the table.

Can you tell us anything about what the future holds for Ani and Riri?

Ani and Riri will be solving at least one more murder next summer – the sequel to Murder for Two will be releasing in January 2026!

Do you have a favourite place to write?

In my home office! I’ve got lots of books surrounding me and it’s the perfect burst of colour I need to spark ideas and create characters!

Why did you choose to write books for this age group?

Middle grade readers are at an important stage in their lives as this is when they learn what they like and dislike in life – and in books! – as they learn more about themselves. The books I loved when I was a middle grade reader are still some of my favourite books. Writing middle grade books has always been a dream of mine for this very reason.

Which other middle grade murder mysteries would you recommend our subscribers read next?

I particularly love the murder mysteries that Sharna Jackson and Robin Stevens write. Other middle grade murder mysteries that I’d recommend are The Beanstalk Murder by P.G. Bell, The Detention Detectives series by Lis Jardine and The Violet Veil Mysteries series by Sophie Cleverly. I’m looking forward to the forthcoming The Mizzy Mysteries by Claire Hatcher-Smith as well.

Copies of our Murder for Two pack, including a copy of the book and loads of fun activities to go with it, are now available for individual purchase. Grab a copy while stocks last!

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