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Lessons in Death

A thrilling new murder-mystery series
By Sophie McKenzie
Series: Murder Academy
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Brief Description
The first book in a new murder-mystery school series set at Mayfield Academy from Sophie McKenzie, the bestselling author of million-copy-seller, Girl Missing. It’s a week into the summer term, the last day of April, and murder is the last thing on my mind . .... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2099
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The first book in a new murder-mystery school series set at Mayfield Academy from Sophie McKenzie, the bestselling author of million-copy-seller, Girl Missing.

It’s a week into the summer term, the last day of April, and murder is the last thing on my mind . . .

Life at Mayfield Academy seems normal enough – that is until Georgia discovers the drama teacher, dead, in the school library. Then, when she goes back to look for him, having gone for help, his body has vanished.

Georgia knows what she saw, but only her best friend Billy believes her.

Determined to find out what has gone on, Georgia and Billy hunt for evidence with new girl, Wren. But with friendship dynamics also at play, there’s a lot more at stake than dead bodies. And it’s not long before it becomes clear that someone is prepared to go to any lengths to stop their investigation . . .

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 nobody 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

Series: Murder Academy

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  • Lessons in Death
    The first book in a new murder-mystery school series set at Mayfield Academy from Sophie McKenzie, the bestselling author of million-copy-seller, Girl Missing. It’s a week into the summer term, the last day of April, and murder is the last thing on my mind . . . Life at Mayfield Academy seems normal enough – that is until Georgia discovers...
    By Sophie McKenzie
    Paperback
    $2099
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Pre-order
    Camp Murder
    The second book in a brand new murder-mystery school series set at Mayfield Academy from Sophie McKenzie, the bestselling author of million-copy-seller, Girl Missing. The water tower stands in darkness . . . I’ve seen its secrets now. I know the truth. With summer camp ahead this August for Georgia, Wren and Billy, the students of Mayfield Academy are looking...
    By Sophie McKenzie
    Paperback
    $1999
    Pre-order
    Out 29 Sep 2026

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781398542006

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 September 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 240

Collections

Children's Books Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Series: Murder Academy Sophie McKenzie Young Adult

About the Author

 Sophie McKenzie was born and brought up in London, where she still lives with her teenage son. She has worked as a journalist and a magazine editor, and now writes full time. She has tallied up numerous award wins and has twice been longlisted for the Carnegie Medal.

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