Anthony Horowitz

"You're never too young to die"

Anthony Horowitz is best known as a screenwriter and children's novelist. Born in 1955 in North London, he was educated at Rugby School and York University, and published his first book, Enter Frederick K Bower , in 1978.

He created the television series Foyle's War, Murder in Mind, Midsomer Murders, Crime Traveller and Menace , and has written episodes for many more, including Agatha Christie's Poirot, Murder Most Horrid and Robin of Sherwood .

His books for children include the Alex Rider series about the teenage secret agent: Stormbreaker (2000), which became a film in 2006; Point Blanc (2001); Skeleton Key (2002); Eagle Strike (2003); Scorpia (2004); Ark Angel (2005), winner of the 2006 British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year; Snakehead (2007), shortlisted for the 2008 Booktrust Teenage Prize, and The Mission Files (2008), an essential guide for the teenage spy. The latest in the Alex Rider series is Crocodile Tears (2009).

Further series include the Diamond Brothers series of mystery stories and the Groosham Grange series, the most recent of which is Return to Groosham Grange (2003). He also writes short stories, originally collected as Horowitz Horror (1999) and More Horowitz Horror (2000), later reissued as Scared (2000) and The Complete Horowitz Horror (2008).

Recent books include Necropolis: City of the Dead (2008), the fourth in the Power of Five series, after Raven's Gate (2005), Evil Star (2006), Nightrise (2007); and The Greek that Stole Christmas (2007), the most recent of the Diamond Brothers series.

Anthony was chosen by the Ian Fleming estate to write the new James Bond novel published in 2015. He has won numerous awards, including the Bookseller Association/Nielsen Author of the Year Award, the Children’s Book of the Year Award at the British Book Awards, and the Red House Children’s Book Award. In 2014 Anthony was awarded an OBE for Services to Literature. He has also created and written many major television series, including Injustice, Collision, and the award-winning Foyle’s War.

What genres does Anthony Horowitz write in?

Horowitz writes children’s and young-adult fiction (teen spy adventures), mystery and crime fiction, supernatural/YA fantasy, and horror short stories. He is also an experienced screenwriter and television creator.

Where is a good place to start with his books?

For teen spy adventures start with Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (Book 1). For darker YA fantasy begin with The Power of Five: Raven's Gate (Book 1). For comic mystery try the Diamond Brothers books, and for short horror read Horowitz Horror, Scared, or The Complete Horowitz Horror.

What is the recommended reading order for the Alex Rider series?

Begin with Stormbreaker (2000), then Point Blanc (2001), Skeleton Key (2002), Eagle Strike (2003), Scorpia (2004), Ark Angel (2005), Snakehead (2007), and Crocodile Tears (2009). The Mission Files (2008) is a companion guide.

Have any of Horowitz’s works been adapted for screen or otherwise?

Stormbreaker was adapted as a film in 2006. Horowitz has created many TV series, including Foyle’s War, and wrote the new James Bond novel published in 2015.

What major awards and recognition has he received?

Honours include an OBE (2014) for Services to Literature, the Bookseller Association/Nielsen Author of the Year Award, British Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year (Ark Angel, 2006), Red House Children’s Book Award, and shortlistings such as Snakehead for the 2008 Booktrust Teenage Prize.