M.G. Leonard

Having graduated from Kings College, London with an MA in Shakespeare Studies, Leonard’s early career was rooted in the music industry with both independent record label Setanta and management of Northern Irish band The Divine Comedy. After leaving the music business, she worked as an actor and director before becoming digital producer for Shakespeare’s Globe, the Royal Opera House, the National Theatre and Harry Potter West End. Despite a childhood phobia of bugs, Leonard’s debut children’s novel was entitled Beetle Boy (2016) and its winning mix of mystery, adventure and giant insects ensured widespread acclaim. To date, the Battle of the Beetles series numbers four instalments and Leonard now keeps numerous exotic beetles as pets. In 2020, Leonard co-authored The Highland Falcon Thief – the first in the hugely successful Adventures on Trains series - with Sam Sedgman, with five sequels following up until 2022. Leonard has also penned the Twitchers series of books about a group of investigative ornithologists and the wonderful wintry 2023 standalone The Ice Children.