#13 Karen M. McManus, how do we get teens to read books?
Karen M. McManus is known for having her work on the New York Times Best Seller List for months at a time - and for her books being discussed online at length. Her novels have been translated into 40 languages, with teenagers around the world hooked on her thrillers. The Guardian once praised her work: “Twisty plotting, breakneck pacing and intriguing characterisation add up to an exciting, single-sitting thrillerish treat.” There is her 2017 debut, “One of Us is Lying,” and the sequel that has just been published in the U.S., “One of Us is Next.” In between, Karen M. McManus diverted to another place in 2018’s “Two Can Keep a Secret” - another thriller you can find at the top of the young adult best seller lists. A fourth book is slated to come out in December. Her stories read like a Netflix or TV series. And indeed, a series pilot based on one of McManus’ books was just produced. In my interview, she talks about how to write to catch the attention of young readers.