Formula for Murder

by Malcolm Rose

When Ros Rabin's grandfather suffers a heart attack, everyone assumes he died of natural causes except for Ros' brother who is then murdered.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 20, 1993

About the author

Believe it or not, until Easter 1996, I was a Lecturer in Chemistry at The Open University. I carried out research in analytical chemistry, particularly in the area of health, and I taught mainly organic chemistry. The teaching part of the job predominantly involved writing, with some radio, TV and video work. It also left very little time for fiction writing which I tackled mostly after midnight. Perhaps that is why some of my strongest scenes are set on dark nights! Anyway, I am now a full-time writer.

Many people think it odd and fascinating that a scientist should also be a novelist but I don’t find it strange. After all, scientists have to be creative and show perseverance to carry out research. They also write a lot; in particular, they produce textbooks and articles on their research. Anyone who is imaginative, can stick to a task, and knows how to construct a sentence has the credentials for writing a novel. On top of that, my chemical research was aimed at understanding a little better some aspects of human life. A novel also seeks to illuminate some aspects of human life. The aims are similar even if the tools are different.

I reckon novel writing is not so removed from chemistry as you might think. In one life, I mix chemicals, stew them for a while and observe the reaction. In the other, I mix characters, stir in a bit of conflict and, again, observe the outcome.

I began writing stories while I was carrying out research at York for my DPhil degree in chemistry. Writing became a means of escape from everyday life. While I was at York, my then girlfriend (now wife) read my efforts and commented that I ought to try and get something published. I had never thought of writing as anything other than a hobby. Besides, as I thought then, a budding chemist couldn’t possibly be any good at it! Anyway, I joined a writers’ club to find out how to submit a manuscript to a publisher and, to cut a long story short, found a publisher in William Collins for my first novel, Rift.

I am now over half a century old, married to Barbara and have one son (Colin) who is an architect. I read all of my stories aloud to Barbara and Colin and they help me with their comments.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a used bookstore find. Anything that looks like a horror book for teens from the 90s is going to draw my eye, and this didn't disappoint. The story moves along well, there's great suspense, a very intricate but not overly-complex backstory, and there are likeable characters. The story resolved itself in a satisfying way. The book, along with being a murder mystery, also deals with class issues, and it tells a story about World War 2's effects and makes the point that history isn't always in the past for people, that sometimes, what happened decades ago can still control a person's life and even their destiny. I loved the backstory of this book--it made it a bit deeper than a typical 90s teen mystery/horror book. I wish I could tell you what it is, but it would give away the plot. I recommend this book to people who, like me, enjoy nostalgia via mysteries from a bygone era...the 1990s.

[Nella · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5⭐, a quick little YA mystery! the plot was predictable and the ending was kinda meh but it was an okay and fast read

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

No sabía que esperar de este libro al no conocer al autor, pero me conseguí con una historia que se lee con facilidad y en un sólo día.

Una historia que al inicio da a entender que trata de una temática desde el punto adolescente y, que al pasar los capítulos, se vuelve cada vez más intrigante al mostrar muchos hechos sin explicación.

La trama y el desenlace me gustaron bastante, lo que realmente no me gustó mucho fueron los personajes, siento que a pesar de ser una historia corta, el autor pudo haber profundizado un poco en ellos, haciendo la historia menos plana y que tuviera algo más de sentido sus acciones.

Lo que si puedo decir con seguridad es que me sorprendió gratamente que el libro viniera con ilustraciones intercaladas en la historia que contrarresta un poco la falta de descripción física de los personajes.

Un libro para pasar el rato.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buena lectura de misterio teniendo en cuenta para las edades a las que se recomienda. Además, como temas transversales están la Química y la Historia, aunque esta última se trata bastante por encima.

[carlotaa sanchezz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Era un libro para clase y aunq no ha estado mal para un rato era muy predecible pero era entretenido ver como seguían las pistas y tal

[Lukey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have fond memories of reading this book as a teenager; I was gifted it by the school librarian, Mrs Webster, for helping out at a book fair.

[Bego Ruano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy adecuado para alumnado de 2 ciclo de ESO. Lleno de misterio y de aventuras.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had this one on my shelf for years with a load of old Point Horror, Point Crime and Point Fantasy books from when I was a teenager. Never read it so though now is as good a time as any.
Really enjoyed reading it as the story flowed nicely along. I liked the back story that flowed through the book and tied things up at the end.

[Chazzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ros and her boyfriend Kevin are a mismatch in the opinion of David, Ros' brother, and he lets them know it. Kevin responded with a punch that knocked David down in front of the crowd at lunch. This did not bode well for what later followed....David found dead on the sports field.

A few weeks earlier, Ros and David's grandfather suffered a heart attach during a sports event on the field. Was it natural or? David knew it wasn't as his grandfather had whispered something to David just before he died, but David wasn't telling...he was going to solve and revenge his grandfather's death.

It is up to Ros and Kevin to solve the mystery and find the killer before the police arrest Kevin for it. What is it that ties back to WWII and the island of Alderney, where that family was from, and the two deaths?

A good read with twists and turns and action. Worth the time.

[Kiersten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutly Love this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[khryseda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read...like a two minute mystery

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy Read