FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 08
Publishing’s new sensation is a family affair
One small girl and her 14-year-old nemesis are set to become the latest publishing sensations in children’s literature following the release of The Littlest Detective in London, by Suzy Brownlee, in the UK on 5Jan 2009.
The book is described as a black comedy that follows a nine-year-old girl’s search for her mother (who has mysteriously disappeared), and the kooky friends she meets along the way. By chance she becomes involved with Natasha Commonov, the evil daughter of a Slakistanian crime lord and the two carry their grudges and the plot through a number of different countries.
Uniquely the books feature photographs of Brownlee’s own daughters, Imogen and Britta, as the lead characters Clementine Cordelia Bird and Natasha Commonov. The girls were photographed in London and Paris for the visuals in the first two books, and feature on the colour covers as well.
Britta also sings the hit song ‘Run’, specially written by composer John Bellamy and author Suzy Brownlee, for the Littlest Detective Series.
There is six and a half years between the pair, and helpfully they don’t look too much alike. “It’s easy being mean to her,” said 15 year old Britta Brownlee today of her new found fame as Natasha Commonov. ‘Everyone likes a villain, and I certainly don’t mind playing one!’
As for Imogen, the 9-year-old says that “In real life kids don’t get to be in charge and fool adults like in our book. That’s why I like it. It’s funny to read and cool when the Littlest Detective comes out on top.”
Other characters include Natasha’s sidekick, a puny bodyguard named Hench; Clemmy’s babysitter and retired English spy, Mrs Mackleberry, and a helpful Japanese policeman named Origami Pete.
Brownlee said today that she hopes the books will encourage readers 9 to 12 years to learn about other countries, simply by being caught up in the excitement of the books. “The plot is fast moving and there is an emphasis on humour. The next in the series include visits to Paris, Toyko, Sydney and Venice. There will be eight titles in all, and in the end, one way or another, either Clemmy or Natasha will find a parent and a new, better life.’
With orders pouring in for the soon to be published ‘Littlest Detective In London’ and ‘Littlest Detective in Paris’, author Suzy Brownlee is said to have turned down recent offers from major publishers. There has also been an approach from a film production company.
Brownlee, 41, a lawyer and published author, who has worked in both publishing and advertising, hasn’t ruled out a future sale, but said today: “I’ve come this far, and have been astonished at the level of interest in The Littlest Detective, so I’ll wait and see how the public reacts.”
CONTACTS:
Suzy Brownlee
+61 415 711 594
For more information: wwwthelittlestdetective.com
ENC. PHOTOGRAPH OF GIRLS
COVER ART
