Derek Landy lives near Dublin. Before writing his children's story about a sharply-dressed skeleton detective, he wrote the screenplays for a zombie movie and a murderous horror film. "I think my career-guidance teacher is spinning in her grave," he says, "or she would be if she were dead.".

Praise for the Skulduggery Pleasant series: ‘A writer at the height of his powers . . . Whatever your age, read them and enjoy the ride’ Irish Independent‘Fast and funny’ The Times‘Skulduggery Pleasant serves up a thoroughly satisfying blend of humour, magic and adventure’ Rick Riordan‘Landy's witty style will win him fans of all ages’ Irish Mail on Sunday‘Hugely enjoyable – a thrill-a-minute adventure’ Jonathan Stroud‘A fast evolving plot and a great mix of scariness and humour’ Sunday Express‘Exciting, pacy, nicely handled and fun’ Philip Ardagh, Guardian‘Gripping’ Observer‘A remarkably accomplished debut with wonderful dialogue’ Irish Times‘A rip-roaring adventure’ Irish Sunday Independent