After working with school aged kids for the last 35 years, J.M. Kelly wrote the next big book series for children and young adults. The Bobby Homes Mystery Series is the Harry Potter for the next generation. The first book, The Lost Treasure, and the second book, Monster on the Moors are available now. Readers can’t get enough and compare it to Sherlock Holmes meets Stranger Things.
As one reviewer says, ” “This book was creepy and thrilling and totally enthralling. I felt like I was there in person and shivered multiple times though out reading this book. Kelly does an amazing job setting the scene and making this world seem real. Couldn’t get enough.” — Erin Haggerty, NetGalley
Here’s more about J.M. Kelly in our exclusive interview:
Q. If you could give your book to one celebrity, who would it be and why?
A. An obvious choice would be Stephen King, for he is the master of the macabre. But, as I often see a strong correlation between books and film when I read, I’d like to provide a copy to Guillermo Del Toro, Sam Raimi, and Jordan Peale, all of whom bring horror to life in unique ways.
Q. Who is your biggest writing inspiration?
A. My wife, hands down. For the sole reason of her unequivocal support.
Q. Give us the scoop about your book.
A. Monster on the Moors is a horror thriller that takes place in the eerie North York Moors of England. Clairvoyant Bobby Holmes, his American cousin Brenda Watson, and their friends, wise guy Stevie and Michael (who is challenged by Asperger Syndrome), are drawn into a deadly mystery. They are hunted by an ancient wolf creature controlled by evil witches of British lore. When one of their friends is captured, they must rely on the investigations of a librarian who is more than he seems, the mystical gifts of a gypsy king, a mysterious stranger at the center of it all, and their own wits in a desperate race to save their friend and come out alive.
Q. Can you tell us three fun facts about you?
A. I’m the second oldest of ten children. I spent 35 years in education as a middle school teacher and a school Principal. I started my writing career after my education career and have since written three novels and one professional book.
Q. If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?
A. Not my call and wouldn’t have a clue. I’d leave that to the professionals, although I’d have to say, Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher was a huge mistake.
Q. What’s one secret about you that you’ll share with the world?
A. I sustained a spinal cord injury at the age of 37 that left me an incomplete quad. Nonetheless, I received the NJ State Principal and Supervisor’s award for Principal of the Year for Inspirational Leadership in 2007, and have enjoyed my entire writing career since.
Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?
A. Never give up and respect and enjoy our differences. Another important message is to suffer the children…they know stuff adults long ago closed their eyes to.
Rapid Fire Questions and Answers
Q. Morning person or night owl?
A. Morning person, always.
Q. Reading or writing?
A. Reading, you need it to be a good writer.
Q. Kittens or puppies?
A. Dogs, dogs, dogs
Q. The city or the country?
A. Country.
Q. Road trip or Cruise ship?
A. Road trip, for the possibilities.
Q. Wine or beer?
A. Wine.
Q. Karaoke or bowling?
A. Neither.
Q. The ability to fly or invisibility?
A. Flying.
Q. Selfie or group photo?
A. Group, more fun.
Q. Love story or scary story?
A. Scary all the way.
Q. Bacon or Tofu?
A. Is that even a choice? Bacon.
