Middle Grade Fiction
Bobby Holmes Mysteries
A Two-Book Series
Monster on the Moors
Bobby Holmes, Brenda Watson and friends-- wise guy Stevie and Michael, who struggles with Asperger Syndrome-are embroiled in a deadly mystery in the eerie landscape of the North York Moors of England. A vicious wolf-beast, controlled by the ancient, evil Witches of Westerdale of British lore, hunts them for their blood. While searching for one of their missing friends, Bobby and his mates rely on information from a librarian who is much more than he seems, a gypsy king with magical gifts, and a mysterious stranger at the center of it all.
Praise for Monster on the Moors
“Rarely does a horror novel come along that can balance thrills, mystery, terror, and heart; Monster on the Moors by J. M. Kelly does just that, and with immense gusto. What you read within its pages will keep you up and wanting for more.”
—Eric J. Guignard, award-winning author and editor, including That Which Grows Wild and Doorways to the Deadeye
“This is… a great book for those who are favs of middle grade fiction and an opening to horror and mysteries for young minds.”
—Amanda Lily, NetGalley
“The young adult genre keeps pumping out mysteries and thrillers here lately and I am absolutely living for it! This was an all-consuming read and will be perfect for a reading binge, as you won't want to stop once you've started.”
—Kensley Lewis, NetGalley
“Kelly establishes the story’s malice with a sensational opening…”
“Kelly’s savvy writing is filled with stirring descriptions…”
“A spook fest that wisely center on strong characters and lurid prose.”
—Kirkus Reviews
The Lost Treasure
The Lost Treasure is an exciting thriller about four young adolescents who come together to solve a deadly mystery. The spirit of a long dead pirate seeks his 300-year-old buried treasure through the possessed body of a diabolical descendant. It’s up to 11-year-old Bobby Holmes from England, his American cousin Brenda Watson, her best friend Stevie, and new kid Michael, an unlikely hero who has Asperger Syndrome, to fight the suffocating caves of a haunted mountain, save each other, and come out alive!
Praise for The Lost Treasure
“Debut author Kelly displays a keen, nostalgic eye for childhoods well spent adventuring. His prose is lush with whimsy: ‘Their mouths began to water like broken faucets.' Though he captures natural beauty just as well: ‘Sunlight streaked through the entangled branches, painting splotches of bright light on the moss covered canvas below.’ Amid the genre trappings, there are also excellent messages for younger audiences. An irresistibly bright world, packed with winning characters and real danger.”
—Kirkus Reviews