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Keith was born and brought up in Grimsby and knew from an early age that he wanted to be a writer. When he received 0% for his accountancy exams he decided to pursue his dream. Since then, he has gone on to win the Angus Book Award and the silver medal in the Smarties Prize. He has twice been shortlisted for the Guardian Fiction Prize and was shortlisted for the Booktrust Teen Prize and the Scottish Arts Council Book Award. Rave reviews about his writing have appeared in every broadsheet. Keith was a judge for the Blue Peter Book Award, the Guardian Fiction Prize and the Bookstrust Teen Prize and reviews regularly for the Guardian. Keith is now a full-time writer living in Edinburgh.
Fifteen-year-old Tim will become the Mourner next week. The 13th in his family since 1699 to do so, he'll have to collect roadkill and meaty donations for the weekly Feed to placate the monster that may inhabit their English lake, although it hasn't been seen in many years, if at all. Legend dictates that these offerings will protect the Fearful, now only a small percentage of the locals, from the monster's depredations. But Tim can't force himself to believe any longer in the face of 21st-century science. This leads to conflict with his girlfriend and his family, especially his father, as he tries to find a way out of his dilemma - become the next Mourner, or tell the truth and run away - in an intriguing take on coming-of-age issues. Obvious parallels to organized religion abound throughout. A minimal level of suspense is sustained through this somewhat long but interesting effort, peopled with well-developed characters. Believable dialogue features some British slang that may confound a few readers. Altogether, an unusual and entertaining read. (Fantasy. 11 & up) (Kirkus Reviews)
