HERE I AM IN KENYA (WELL, GLEN STRATHFARRAR, REALLY)
Anthony in Scotland
I haven’t put a blog on the site for a while and as usual I’m sorry – but as usual I’ve got an excuse. Alex Rider 8 – or CROCODILE TEARS as it now officially and definitely called.
I was actually really happy with the title when I thought it up because it fits the book exactly, it hasn’t been used by anyone else (as far as I know) and it somehow fitted in really well with the other seven books. The problem started when a guy at Walker Books (no names…but he’s tall and smooth-looking and he’s a published author himself, his initials are MS and I’m going to do for him in my next book) complained that he thought the title was “soft”. He wanted something like “death” or “bullet” or “hell” in the title and he was worried that boys would be put off a book that had “tears” on the front cover.
He also said that nobody knew what “crocodile tears” meant. Is this true? Curiously, my American publisher had never heard of the phrase either but then he thinks Tooting Common is the name of an Egyptian pharaoh. Anyway, here is the first page of CROCODILE TEARS as it will appear in its entirety:
crocodile tears: fake or hypocritical tears. From the belief that crocodiles will pretend to cry in order to attract their victims…and will then cry for real as they devour them.
So that’s sorted that out.
The book does have crocodiles in it, by the way. Part of it takes place in Kenya which is where I happened to be last Christmas. I spent five very happy days in Larsen’s Camp in the Samburu National Reserve and you’ll find a version of it in the new book. I also saw loads of crocodiles out there – in fact I’m going to paste another photo that I took myself into this blog to show you just how close I got. I should warn you (I’m trying not to give too much away) that Alex gets a lot closer.
Crocodile Tears?
Not bad – eh? Whenever I look at this picture, I find myself thinking about my sons.
Anyway, now to explain the heading of this blog. I’ve just got back from an amazing five-day visit to Scotland. The first part of it was organised by the Scottish Book Trust and I found myself talking to around 10,000 Scottish kids live on the net. I was interviewed a couple of times – by The Scotsman (the main paper in Scotland for all those south of the border) and by a radio show called The Book Cafe. All good publicity for Necropolis which came out in paperback last week.
Then I went up Arthur’s Seat with my wife, which was fun. I had dinner with my son, Nick (he’s studying Chinese at Edinburgh University).
But the best part of the trip was the train journey from Edinburgh to Aberdeen – which was so beautiful (passing through the Cairngorm National Park) that I didn’t do any work as I’d planned but just gazed out of the window. I then killed a day in Inverness before meeting a brilliant man called Kenny Dempster who’s a civil engineer with Scottish and Southern energy and who drove me up to the Monar Dam which is what you can really see behind me in the photograph.
CROCODILE TEARS ends with a huge climax at a dam in Kenya and I needed to examine one at close quarters – and I couldn’t get any closer than this. Kenny showed he how the whole thing worked and I have to say that as I clambered around it the whole last chapter of the book came tumbling into my head. That’s why I so love visiting the places I write about. Somehow the truth is always more exciting than anything I could make up…or perhaps I should say that the truth underpins the fantasy and makes it more believable. Anyway, I wish I could describe Glen Strathfarrar in the book because it was also awesome and beautiful with red deer everywhere and snow still visible on the mountain peaks, even in May.
I wish I could also describe the slice of lemon cake that I had at the cafe just outside Beauly on the way back as that was pretty nice too. But we don’t do lemon cake in Alex Rider books. And the dam, as I have explained, is in Kenya.
Progress on the book? My computer is telling me 69,455 words – and I reckon it’s going to be finished at around 90,000…so I’m nearly there. I’ve been really worried about this adventure. After all, it’s the eighth in the series and I was beginning to wonder if I could invent any more chases, gadgets, fights, whatever. But I say for sure that this book has more action than any of the others. It’s probably the most violent (until my publishers get their hands on it). And it has the single most frightening chapter I’ve ever written. As a matter of fact, I finished that today.
Other news…
I’m off to Hay-on-Wye tomorrow for the book festival, which is always fun. When it rains, the entire festival turns into a huge bog. Writers have been known to get sucked in, never to be seen again. We also start shooting the third, and possibly the last episode of Foyle’s War tomorrow. TV drama is getting more and more difficult as nobody has enough money to make it any more…but if this is the end of the series, at least we’re finishing on a high.
And then I have a load of trips. China, Greece, America…all for different reasons. I’ll explain more when I come back.
In the meantime, have you noticed my page on TWITTER? I really enjoy twittering as it’s so short and easy and I can do it wherever I happen to be, using my iPhone. I try to make it amusing. Anyway, do take a look at my page or whatever it is you call it, if you want to stay up to date.
Enjoy the good weather. Good luck to all of you doing GCSEs or A-levels. I hope you’re doing more revision than my son, Cass.
May 2009
68 comments68 Comments so far
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Hey Anthony,
I’ve met you twice and just wanted to say thanks:)
I check your Twitter everyday and its great
Hi Anthony!!
Atlast you’re giving us news about the eighth Alex book! I’m so excited! Next time, could you please tell us when it’s going to be finished? I can barely wait to get my hands on it! Oh, and just ignore those comments on the title Crocodile Tears… I think that, just for a change, it’s kinda better if it doesn’t have so much “kill” or “death” in an Alex title. Because if you think about it… Alex isn’t actually violent… he just gets to do things very close to violence. And everyone’s forgetting the fact that he’s just an ordinary fourteen-year-old boy who gets into trouble with the freaky MI6 people.
So good luck on the new book. Thanks.
Oh, and did I tell you you’re my best author? I think I’m gonna be a writer when I grow up.
Ta and good luck … again.
Hello! It has been a long time since you’ve posted. I can’t wait for Crocodile Tears. I’m from America and at first I had no idea what crocidile tears meant. So I looked it up. The book sounds like it’s going to be amazing, but when will it be relased? Becuase I want it now or at least in the Fall.
heya!
love your books!! looking forward to the next alex rider, also i love your power of five series. i love the title of your next book!! but i am a girl and i’m not sure what boys will make of it, but i’m sure they would love it anyway. are you working on your next power of five novel?? i’m dying to no what happens to scar and the others.
enjoy writting.
leah =] x
Hey i’m an American and I have to say your books are aewsome!! Power of five is really getting popular and it’s almost better than Alex Rider. But nothing can beat Alex
Hey !!
I’m French, and I find it absolutely wonderful how you love writing your books. I’m really looking forward to reading the next Alex Rider book, and I have to say the title and the first page are really interesting!
Good luck !
Hi I’m from Scotland and I just thought I’d say that I love your books. The Alex Rider one’s were recomened by a friend and now I can harldy ever put them down. The power of five is really good as well. I can’t wait for them to come out and I’m dying to know what’s going to happen know.
Good luck in finishing the book I bet it will be great.
Catriona
Hi! Im from America and think your books are AWESOME! I’ve read all the currant Alex Rider and Power of the Five books tons of times. I can’t wait for Crocodile Tears. The title sounds cool and totally epic. I enjoy writing and am writing a story right now. I’m on page 6.
If you or anyone else wants to check it out, go to gjsmits19.wordpress.com.
Good luck on writing your book!
WOW It’s amazing you get to see so much!
Could you give an approximation as to when the whole process will be done and when you think the book will be in bookstores? because I know that although you may be almost done, you have to turn it in to the editor and then revise what your editor says and again and again back and forth until it’s perfect so will this take like 6 more months or something? will this come out next summer? or next spring? or what?
Also please please please don’t stop writing the books when you hit the number ten (I heard that you will write up to 10) you MUST go on! alex is not old enough still he can go on until he is in his 20′s and more! don’t stop when he is around 17 or so he has so much more fun adventures ahead! COME ON!! please!!!!!! at least don’t make it definite, keep the option open. You never know when you come up with a really good plot for Alex but you can’t write it because you already hit the 10th book and so the story will never be told because that is a shame and it’s not right.
I love your Alex series, no other spy book has come close yet to all the goodness of Alex.
Ciao!
Sania
Hallo, Anthony!
I want to say, that I’m very glad to get some information about the new book of Alex Rider series! I’m looking forward for it!))) I like Alex and I like his adventures! As for the title, I think, that the most important parts of the book are – the main character, the interesting plot and even the main idea! The title is just the reflection of the main idea of the book or even the thought! The given title of the book sounds for me mysterious; I can say that some kind of a legend stands behind it!
The new series, which is called “The Gatekeepers”, I like either! It is really good!))) Mystery and reality stand against each other!
I think it is very interesting to travel a lot and write down about the different countries, their culture, people, their way of living! And even to know and understand some mysterious legends of the given country! I can say, that the author can write better about the things, he or she knows!
Oksana
Hi Anthony,
Instead of only talking about alex rider what about the power of five series,Im not saying i dont like alex rider its just that i also like the power of five series aswell so can you give us an update on that?
Reggie
Hi Anthony!! I am American too and I absolutely love your books. No, I don’t think Crocodile Tears is a dumb title at all – I love the symbolism. And the next time you come to the US you should drop by the Central coast of California (preferably the Bay Area.. *cough*). Thanks for giving us an update!
I’m South African, I hate reading, infact the only book i would even think about reading is the new power of five… a couple of years kinda makes me shudder though, is it really going to be that long? hmm.. oh well just sayin; the sooner the better
Hi! Another American who loves your books. By the way, I know what “cocodile tears” are. Maybe I should be running a publishing house instead of some corporate illiterate.
Dear Mr. Horowitz,
Hi!I have read half of the library and almost nothing has matched you( I happen to be a twilight fanatic as well:) ). If I could choose to be any carachter in your books, it would be Sabina. When I read the Alex books, I breath every breath Alex takes, see what he sees, and feel what he feels. Shows how great you really are, huh? I want to be an author, just like you. Think you could post some tips next time? Just asking of coarse!
Hey! Ive looked everywhere for the best series, and the ALEX RIDER Series is awesome. I don’t know if i can wait to long for the next ALEX RIDER book. Ive been waiting for it since Snakehead came out. Can you please say when CROCODILE TEARS comes out? That would be awesome! By the way i love CROCODILE TEARS as a title!:)
Mr. Horowitz, I like the title! There’s lots of books with “death”, “die”, “hell”, etc in the title…so why do we need another one? We don’t.
Anyways, I can’t wait until CROCODILE TEARS comes out!
HI, The Alex Rider books are sooo good. Please do not stop writing them. You always make something great out of your books. If you are making a tenth book can’t you make it happend in South America, the best thing to read about is when you recognise youreself in for exampel a country. If you write about lets say Ecuador, you can see yourself in Alex’s position, you realise that you have seen what his seen, all the mountains, all the cities, and all the unusual animals. That’s the coolest parts of your books, please keep it going, you rock! And by the way, why is the bad guys name in the Stormbreaker movie Darrius Sayle and not as the book (Herold Sayle). And is there coming another Alex Rider movie??? And if there is, please let Alex Pettyfer play Alex Rider, he is just perfect for the part!!!
)
//Tamia (13 year old from Sweden)
Hey!!
although I hope you don’t add too much of you’re signature horror… or Sabina (no offense, but she’s the only part I don’t like 
) thanks so much for Alex<3 !!
I’m an American and I just gotta say I ADORE the AR books!! I own them all ;P can’t wait for croccy tears
-Naomi
Hey I think that title is cool and I’ve definatley heard of the phrase crocodile tears. I think that boys will see the fact its the 8th in the series and think ‘hey I dont care what its called’. New people to the series won’t be looking at the 8th book anyway I hope. Anyway I can’t wait for it, normally I get it before I go on holiday but its not been there recently! Anyway hurry before I get ill
Glad to hear that Crocodile Tears is coming along. Loved Snakehead (best AR so far) and am anxiously awaiting CT. I’m rather puzzled about this “no one knows what crocodile tears are” and “boys will put it down.” I know full well what they are, and that’s just the type of title that would attract my attention. Of course, I’m American, so what do I know?!
Dear Mr. Horowitz,
First of all i want to say thank you for reading this. I love Alex Rider. I think they are the best books in the world. I have read everyone of your books at least three times.I like Power of Five too, but nothing can beat Alex Rider! I live in America and I have gotten all of my friends to read the Alex Rider Series. It is funny how I discovered your books. I had to read Skeleton Key for school. I did not even want to read it but i knew i had a quiz on it the next day. I only had to read 3 chapters but read it all in one night. I loved it! I can’t wait until Crocidile Tears comes out. I knew what that ment and I glad you have such a cool title for your new book.
I can not wait until it comes out. I am going to order it from England as soon as it comes out even if it is five times the price. That is really silly since i will read it in one day but i do not care. My mother watch Folyes War and thought it was cool that I read your books. I could go on and on but i need to stop!
Thank you and keep writing,
Anna (12 years old from the U.S.A.)
Hey!
I’m from a little island called Cyprus (which you probably have no idea where it is) and i absolutely LOVE ur book!! i absolutely can not wait for Crocodile Tears to come out! every week i check all the websites that i can to see if i can pre-order it. From your books i have decided to become an author for sure!
i just dont understand one thing: why are u stopping writing alex rider book at number 10? i hate it when authors kill of their charectors too early…u should make them go on for as long as humanly posible! and i would also like to ask wheather there is gonna be another alex rider movie?? i loved the first one and cant wait to see the second one!
i would really like to no when alex rider 8 is coming out!
your number 1 fan
Natalie x
Hey Anthony!
I’m from America (Utah) I love your books. I am writing one now, I am on page 108! I expect it done by Christmas. We’ll if you get the chance… you could maybe come to Utah… that would be awesome. By the way keep the title “crocodile tears” I didn’t know what it ment but it just sounds pretty cool. see ya
Your books are so awesome! Especially Alex Rider, it’s my favourite series ever.
I check your blog at least once a fortnight, hoping for an update and today,I was just jumping up and down in my seat with excitement when I saw your latest blog entry. I mean, it’s a little unusual for an author to write a blog entry regularly. Especially, if they’re busy like you, travelling all over the world. But it’s just awesome to see that my favourite author in the whole wide world writes a blog entry for everyone to see!
I never knew about this blog until a few months ago and let me tell you, I was squealing and running like a crazed chicken all around my house. My brother thought I was a nutjob and my parents were in the sidelines thinking ‘what in the world has become of our girl?’.
Well anyways, enough about that. I love the action and sense of reality you put into the Alex Rider books! As I said last time, the experience that you put into these books really give out that “umph!” and I learn a lot from your books. Unfortunately, my friends didn’t like your writing and extreme action, but I personally think they’re missing out on the best books ever.
I never really liked realistic books until I came to the Alex Rider series. I was influenced by the movie, unfortunately, as that was how I came to know of Alex. (Yeah, I was forced to watch the ridiculous movie, but it did do good in the end.) I just love how Alex Rider is realistic, but at the same time, it has a little of the fantasy side in it too.
I just can’t stop admiring the works of your brilliance and how much I want to be like you, but I know I’m not a writer. I’m completely useless in English.
Also, I think that the boy from Race to Witch Mountain should play Alex if there is to be another movie. But, I don’t know; he might be too tall. Alex Pettyfer is far too old for the part of Alex, in my opinion.
Oh, and please don’t let the movie stray from the book. They can cancel out a few, but don’t ever let them put in a ridiculous scene like the Horse Chase. I think that’s just what ruined the whole movie. I hope that you read this part especially.
Oh, and I think I’ve written way too much.
“Patty ~13 year old from Perth, Australia~
Oh you gotta loove twitter! Any way can’t wait for the new alex rider book! I also new the deffinition of crocidile tears. Also you said you were going to America any were near new jersey??? I would type more but it is 11:32 pm here I’m hiding under the covers typing on my I touch! So see you later!
~amanda
Hi. I just have to say that your my favourite author and that the title for the new Alex Rider book is so cool! Theres a comment somewhere above my one where someone says that theres: too many titles with kill death”, “die”, “hell”, etc in the title…so why do we need another one?
I agree and I couldn’t belive so many people don’t know what crocodile tears are. Also I think that the title is very orginal and I all ready can’t get it out of my head.
PS. Do you have any idea when it would be coming out in Australia (thats where i live) ;D
Dear Anthony,
Looking forward to the book, i sounds great. I have a question thought. Have you ever thought about crossing matt and alex’s paths in a book? I know the power of five is more sci fi and Rider is more reality but i was just curious. and like everyone else i would like to know what date it comes out
Hi! Just wanted to say that I can’t wait for the 8th book-I’m so excited! I really like the title too-there’s so much to read in to it-like if it’s really crocodiles that Alex fights or if it’s a metaphor for Alex using his teen status to his advantage against an enemy-the list is endless. I was kinda surprised that not that many people seemed to know what it meant (my mum’s been using the phrase since forever on me).
You’re an amazing author and I wish you the best of luck with all your future books.
hey anthony!
I really can’t wait for crocodile tears!! HURRY UP WRITING THE REST OF THE SERIES(though i never want it to end). Anyway, you are an AMAZING writer, and i guess you already know that, but i feel the need to tell you anyway.
Hey Mr Horowitz!
I agree with above said. Crocodile Tears = Awesome. And if ”boys put it down” then those certain boys ”should not be reading” ^^
Please do NOT allow your publishers to take the violent parts out! Your books should not get any shorter! Keep them in, we’ll stomach it! (trusting you to keep them stomachable, of course! ^^)
And please, please, please make sure your books come out in Egypt on time. There’s only so much waiting i can take. Necropolis took ages and YOU WERE IN EGYPT!! Next time being a couple of copies of Crocodile Tears!
Cheers!
deena
Hey, I remember waiting for previous books of Alex Rider to come out, such as Skeleton Key and Point Blank, I really believe your work is truly an art. Your books have been with me as long as I can remember growing up and Alex is almost like a literary friend to me. Scorpia was an amazing book and for the sentimental value it is probably my favorite. I hated to see your amazing book, Stormbreaker, being butchered by the movie..
Anyway, the fascinating reads you have endeared to me have not gone unappreciated over the years and I hope to read a book just as awe striking as the others. Thanks.
Hey Anthony!
Thanks for the update, I love reading them.
I can’t wait for the next Alex adventure. I have been reading Alex since I was in primary school and even now I’m 17, have finished high school and I’m in University and I still can’t get enough of Alex!!
The books always keep you in, you can’t put them down and each adventure is somehow better than the last spectacular one! How do you do it? You’re amazing! Definitely one of my favourite authors!!
I can’t wait for the next Power of Five either I LOVE that series just as much as Alex!!
Thanks for being such a great author your books never fail to entertain me, even with multiple readings
Such a fan and exited that you only have about 25 thousand words left to write but the more the better the worst part about an awsome book is finishing it! i hate that part. i always try to draw yours out longer, but your style flows so well. i have A.D.D. and unless its really interesting i have trouble and it takes forEVER to finish. however yours i never have trouble paying attention i started reading Rider books when i was 16 and thats what got me into reading im almost 23 now and still a dedicated fan. i see 10 and 12 yr olds in my sunday school class holding your books and we have hour long discussions about them i hope to see you at a book signing when u come to dallas
Dear Anthony
I’ve heard young boys in bookshops bemoaning the lack of new Anthony Horowitz books and pleading with their parents to just check one more shop to see if there are any new ones there. My 12 y.o son is totally enthralled by your books. thanks
Jo
hi
i love the title crocodile tears. my faviourite alex rider books have always been the ones with animal’s in the title like eagle strike, snakehead and scorpiais my faviourite book ever i love the bit about them killing max with the scorpians in the suit case and the sibrean tiger the could turn on and off. yessen is my faviourite character out of any book so i was wondering if there is still going to be a book just about him. thanks for the imformation on crocodile tears. i love animal and am looking forward to hearing about kenya in the book. please try to persuade your publishers to live they violent parts in they can’t be any goryier than darren shan’s demonta books and he was able to get them published. i love all your books and thanks for creating such brilliante characters like yessen and general alexie sarvo and i loved the whole scorpia organisation when i’m older i want to be either a crime writer or criminal not a common but
one like the ones in scorpia kinda sopisticated
Hello
i’m pretty excited about this next one
i loved the first one – stormbreaker and the latest one ‘snake head’ because they are different to the previous ones like ‘eagle strike’ and ‘mount blanc’. Anyway, i want to be a writer too, and i do think that visiting places, learning cultures and tranditions -oh and not forgetting all those awesome souvenirs are extreamly inspirational when writing (no wonder ur books are good)
And i think that Power of Five idea is really really good because it’s something iv’e never read before, and i love those kinds of plots which is hard to find in books these days, that’s why i’ve cut down on reading
I can’t wait for your books to come out, and i hope to be as creative as you are. can’t wait
Hi Anthony!!!
I love your books im the only girl i know that reads them and im hooked!!!
When is Crocodile Tears going to be out?? do you know???
Is there going to be a Alex Rider 9???
Love the books keep writing
Amber
I still remember the day the librarian at our school told me that the new books have arrived in the library. I had my eyes on the Alex Rider series even though I didn’t have an idea about it. The day I started reading Stormbreaker, I couldn’t put the book down! (Not even during meals, I got scolded for that) When I heard of the 7th book, I couldn’t wait for it to arrive in my country so I thought to myself: I must pre-order! And the moment it arrived I was in the same state as when I was reading Stormbreaker. And let me tell you, I’m not the only one. I passed this on to my two sisters.
Your style of writing makes it hard for people to put down your books. I just want to tell you that you did a great job with the Alex Rider series and your recent series “Power of Five” and that one day I will hopefully write something as good.
PS. I thought the title of the next book is ingenious and trust me you won’t need a tough looking name to make the book successful.
PS.2 Just how many dogs do you have? Or do you keep changing it’s name?
Good luck with the book! Can’t wait for it to come out.
Kal – Dubai
Hi!
)
I’m absolutely a huge fan of yours. I love Alex Rider-books more than I’ve ever loved any book on my whole life (and i’m just turning 17). I just finished reading Snakehead (in finnish translation it’s Käärmeenpää) and it was amazing, i think the best book of all Alex Rider’s, even every of them are just awesome.
I love the way you write your books, and how you do researches before writing. You make everything feel so true for reader in books and reader feels like a part of the book (or at least i feel, i can’t stop reading before the book is on it’s end, because it’s so absorbing..)..
but I just can’t wait the 8th book Crocodile tears, it sounds so exciting..!
have a nice summer and have fun with writing..!
- Your fan, Paula (from Finland)
ps. will there come more Alex Rider movies in the future?
Crocidile Tears? Brillant, a lot of meaning there. Could it be a reflection of Alex’s feelings?
I Know that the next book is going to be the best so far, Snakehead was brillant (and is at the moment, my favourate, folowed be Skeleton Key)
Can I ask you what your Favourate Alex Rider Book is, please?
hey this is luke from the u.s.a cant wait for alex 8 by the way dont listen to what your editor says crocadile tears is a alsome title loved snake head.it is sorta by chance that i started to read your books i had to have a book for languagearts so i went to the action section and picked a book so i checked out it and got hooked i then found out that it was number 5 in the seires so i read the rest alsome books. by the way do you know d.j machale because i think you and him are the best athores ever no offens but what is whith alex the movie i mean sabina is allready in it. and i wish yassin would not have died.
your bigedst fan luke
p.s if your ever in texas would you think about comming to round rock
Thank you for updating your posts. I’m always look forward to what you have to say.
Crocodile Tears…that’s a brilliant name…and i just know it’s going to be as good as the rest of the series (mind you, they are genius!).
I’m so excited for it! I’m probably going to buy it as a christmas present for myself.
I was wondering about a plotline you were to use for Snakehead (or one you said you would use but didn’t) that involved the kidnapping of Mrs Jone’s children. Will u use it in the future???
Anyway, have a great time researching and finishing Crocodile Tears and be sure to post soon!
Hi, any advice for a wanabe auther with 20000 words under his belt but not sure wether to continue becuase he thinks his work is no good? Your books are great and have inspired me to try to be an author. (also you should come to New Zealand for inspiration…most beautiful country in the world) Cheers
I love the title of the new book; it’s ingenious! I love your writting – it’s so hard to put down anything you’ve wrote!
I just wanted to say I recently got hold of the original Power of Five books (was that series called Pantagram?)but I really enjoyed them!
Can’t wait for your next book; good luck!
-Georgina
P.s is there going to be a Power of Five movie?
I think the title is brilliant!!! It’d be cool if you had the definition on the back cover of the book, so if a person picked it up and thought the title was soft (which no one will ever EVER think) they could just turn the book over and read the definition of the title and want to buy it REALLY REALLY badly.
Hope I helped
~Alexa~
Hi Anthony Horowitz!!!!!! I’m a HUGE fan of Alex Rider and a fan of the Gate Keepers! Both of the series are brilliant! I also loved the movie you made of Stormbreaker! I hope you are going to make more. I also hope that when you come to America you will be making a stop in Washington! Best of luck on finishing CROCODILE TEARS! Can’t wait to read it!
-Your fan from America, Alexis
Just when I thought I wasn’t going to hear anymore about the book this came up. I’m glad it did. I have so many questions about it. Is this book going to be the last in the series? When does it release? and as an author what would you advice to kick off a writing career? PS whiat is your dog’s name? Every alex rider, every power of 5, every diamond brother shows a different name (necropolis shows ‘LOSER’ as his name)
Hi
You probably don’t remember but i met you at Cheshire Oaks (I had a big scar on my face if it helps)and that was one of the best moments of my life. Me and my Grandad both love your books and I have been reading them for practically my entire life (i’m 15). I’m not sure what other people think but for me your best books are the Diamond Brothers. Alex Rider is great but whereas there have been some blips in the Rider series (most notably Ark Angel) the Diamond brothers have been consistently brilliant. Classic Hitchcock movies are my favourite and I love the little references to the movies throughout the books, especially the crop dusting scene in South by South East. In my opinion, and it probably is just my opinion, I think you should devote much more of your time to making more proper full length Diamond Brothers. It has been nearly 20 years since the last proper Diamond novel and you have been promising ‘The Radius of the Lost Shark’ since 2004 in Scorpia. I love your writing and I will keep reading it until you stop so don’t take any of wht I’ve said as a criticism. In fact don’t take any of it at all if you don’t want to. Thank you so much for nearly 15 years of great reading and have a nice year or so.
P.S. I also really like Foyles War when is that starting again?
hiya im from scotland and i must say that i can barly put your books down
. i can’t wait untill your next book is realesed . something is bothering me and i was wondering if you could help ? I need to know if you wrote a book that (i think) alex rider is in but i dont know the name , in it a very rich man and maybe a dozen other men all very rich are on an island because they are running from the police and a boy has to pass a test going threw dangerouse parts of this course all designed by aztec gods . i am a big fan and im wondering if you could get back to me 
.
love the name!!! hope its as good as all the rest of the rider books???
currently reading the books for a second time and really enjoying them still even though i know what’s coming!! your style of writing is so enthralling!!!
P.S. why didn’t you use the added story line from the paperback version of snake head in the hard backed copy?
anthony horowitz-
you are currently my favorite author (yes even before jk rowling) as of this moment. i’ve finally caught up with the series and i was stunned. the alex rider series are so addicting and i can’t stop re-reading them!
crocodile tears sounds intruiging and i can’t wait!
jeez i wish all your books were produced into movies- they’d be a hit. stormbreaker was a great movie. sorry for rambling- i just found this site/blog and now, i shall stalk you on twitter! haha
Hey, I’m Canadian and completely in love with the Alex Rider books. I started reading them when i was like 13 or 14. Now I’m 17 and I still love them.
Anyways I can’t wait for Crocodile Tears, I’m so excited 
Alex rider books are amazing and i love them, but is there any more news on `the power of 5` books?
Are u writing the 5th book already or are you takin a break for a bit?
Keep on writing
xx
Hey,
Im from America. Oh My Gosh i am so exited for the next Alex Rider book. Anyone who hasn’t read them should. Im trying to get my freinds to read all the books but they don’t like reading. Losers. They think im weird for finishing snakehead in one day. Anyway love the books can’t wait for the next.
Chao,
Brie
Ps: Never stop writing alex writer books they are my favorite no crosses count.
If it makes you feel any better, I knew what crocodile tears meant without having to be told. I’m very excited for this next book- I’ve always loved the series, since it first came out. I can’t wait! Keep up the great work. ^_^
Do people really not know what crocodile tears means? I live in the USA and I’ve heard it a few times.
I love the Alex Rider series. I am almost finished with Snakehead. Best books I’ve seen in a while.
Hi Anthony!
I have absolutly no idea if you’ll read this,but I’ll express my feelings(all good) anyway:)
I just wanted to tell you how talented you are(though I’m sure you already new that)I finished ‘Nightrise’ and ‘Necropolis’ in a span of three days.My mother was even telling me to stop reading,but I couldn’t put the book down! Now I wish I hadn’t finished ‘Necropolis’ so fast! I’m so ready for the next one to come out,but I feel you might be a little too busy to worry about that at the moment:)
I love your character developement most of all! I’ve absoluty fallen completely in love with Jamie and I actually cried(not kidding!) When he was shot in ‘Nightrise’. Matt reminds me of my cousin,and everytime he cracks a small joke I think of Matt:)You describe the setting so well I almost had to put ‘Necropolis’ down at some parts!
I have yet to read the Alex Rider series,but regret it. I’ll get to it really soon though! I’m sure it’s amazing as well!
I apologize for making this so long.You probably have much better things to do than read fan mail. But I am very curious to see when the next book of the gatekeepers series will be published. If you can tell me,I’d greatly appreciate it:) Although you’ve already done so much for me through your books.All I’m really trying to say here is keep up the good work!
YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!!! I like the Alex Rider series but the power of five series is the best series in the history of mankind it is better than anything i have ever read in my life!!!! Making the AR series into movies would be pretty cool but making the power of five series into movies would be awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i am twelve but i would watch them even if they were rated ma in fact i would actually prefer that because it would be telling the story exactly i am begging you literaly begging i would buy them in a flash and so would my friends it would be better than all of the AR series i only discovered you at christmas time and i bought all of your books since then all of the AR series and the power of five series and i am so looking forward to the next power of five book i only found necropolis a week ago and i have already read it i hated reading and i mean i wouldn’t even read a short story an then i discovered you and not only have i read all of your books, you have inpired me to write my own book i am on page eleven so please write back and let me know when and where i can get the next P.O.F book and please please please make movies i and all of my friends will buy them but make sure you make all of them i can guarantee that they will be bought please keep writing the POF series and make at least as many of them as AR PLLEEEEAAAAASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FROM KG
My son (who’ll turn 13 next week) just finished Stormbreaker and went on and on about the plot, characters, etc. For someone who absolutely hates to read, I was amazed that he liked it so much. But that is not the reason for my post…
I am an aspiring author. I’ve hated my current job for several years now and have been told by many individuals (for 25 years) that I have a gift. A gift of writing. I just turned 41 and don’t want to waste the rest of my days doing something I hate. Perhaps I’m going through my mid-life crisis, but perhaps I do indeed need to make a career change.
I have finished my first novel and it is about 37,000 words. It probably fits in best with the Christian/high school/adventure genre, but I’m not sure where to start. I sent it to several friends/relatives for feedback and have made some changes. I have also sent 4 chapters to a Christian book publisher in Tennessee, but have not heard back from them in 4 weeks. I live just outside Chicago.
What should I do next? Do I need to hit the 90K word threshold to be considered for publication? Should I get an agent or just go straight to the publisher?
Any advice would be fan-tastic…
Thanks,
DM
Hello Rider Fans,
I am a teacher in Mead, Colorado who is about to embark on a summer reading adventure with some well-read 4th and 5th graders. They are so excited to start Stormbreaker. It’s time….
Cheers,
Hi im your number one fan i started reading stormbreaker when i was ten. Im now twelve and in the middle of nightrise. You books are great. How did you ever get the idea for a teenager spy called alex rider. Also I love the coda chapter at the end of snakehead. Me and my freind dan porrit are starting a shortbook about 4 sas men who are the last survivors of a zombie outbreak based in my home village boosbeck.
Bye
D.Bailey No1 Fan
I just finished Necropolis and I am very excited for Crocodile Tears! I really do like the title and believe such words as “kill”, “die”, “blood” and the like are much overused. I commend you for your originality and appreciate your posts. Just know, whatever you choose to write, you have a legion of dedicated readers behind you.
the end of necropolis left me in shock…
thats all i have to say really
also looking forward to crocodile tears – how many are there going to be in the AR series???
Hi anthony,
I’ve been avidly reading your series since I saw a promotional commercial for Stormbreaker at my school’s bookfair. I think I was in 4th grade then. Anyway, I have really really enjoyed the Alex Rider series, can’t get enough! I even go to England when a new book comes out so I can get the proper cover art! (The american releases always have a different cover.) Also, I think that Crocodile Tears is a great title and doesn’t clash with the other titles in the series, considering that none of them actually have ‘death’ or ‘kill’ in the titles anyway. You have been a true inspiration and I eagerly await the release of the next book.
-alice
Who are these people who have never heard of crocodile tears? weirdos. I’m 16, in the middle of the U.S. and I have never met someone who didn’t know what it meant. Until now. Mindblowing.
Are your books still being printed in the U.S.? I can’t find them anywhere! I have been pretty much obsessed with the books since I was 13 and I read almost every book in my middle school library. (it was a small library. a very small library.) *devious* Let’s blame it on the vampire books that have taken over our bookstores.
You are almost having the 8th book out!
I just bought the 7th book (Snake Head).
And I thought that was a new one.
I like how you update your site.
Keep up the good work!
Anthony,
I have just finished your 8th book (Crocodile Tears) and loved it! Don’t ever stop writing about Alex Rider. I love how Alex is a smart-elec (is that how you spell it?). I also LOVE smithers, so please put him in futre books if there are going to be future books. Gadgets, Action, Adventure, and guns I love it!
Thanks for finally giving us Americans a good seris, sincerly,
Dumb American