Lessons in Death

by Sophie McKenzie

Published 11 September 2025
Lights, Camera, Kill! The first book in a new murder-mystery school series set at Maywood High from Sophie McKenzie, the bestselling author of million-copy-seller, Girl Missing. 

Georgia and Billy have always been the best of friends but when new girl, Wren, arrives at Maywood High, the balance of their friendship is tested. Unbeknown to the new trio, Wren and Georgia have a secret history – their mums were best friends as children (Wren’s mum died when she was a baby). When auditions for the school play take place and Wren gets the main part, the friction between the pair is off the scale. Then Georgia finds the drama teacher, dead, but his body has vanished, and no one believes her. Just where is the teacher? Is he really dead? When people start to receive sinister messages from his phone, the three new friends set out to get to the bottom of it all.
And as the murders stack up the pupils start to call the school MURDER HIGH!

Praise for Girl, Missing:
'Page-turning' The Independent
'Will have you gripped for hours' Sunday Express
'Please read this book: it is brilliant!; The Guardian
'Whenever I hear the phrase YA thriller I only ever think of one name - and that's Sophie Mckenzie. Why? Because noboody does it better' Phil Earle, award-winning author
'Sophie's thrillers are brilliant... you can't stop reading' Robert Muchamore, bestselling author
'Brilliantly described, scary and touching' The Daily Mirror

10 YEARS OF AWARDS FOR Girl, Missing
Manchester Children's Book Awards
Bolton Children's Book Award
Soilhill Book Award
Winner of the Sakura Medal
Red House Children's Book Award
Richard and Judy Best Kids' Book
Lewisham Children's Book Award