J-J Murray

Author Details

Social Media

Biography

I write fast-paced, humour-led detective adventures for readers aged 4–8, driven by a clear creative purpose: to build confidence, resilience and emotional awareness in young children through engaging storytelling.

My Fang & Bang series launched with The Call from 10 Downing Street, followed by The Call from Buckingham Palace, both of which have been widely praised for their wit, charm, and genuine cross-generational appeal. The series is designed as a highly adaptable, location-driven adventure brand, moving through iconic settings with strong potential for international expansion.

Book 3 in the series has been recognised with a Gold Award from Literary Titan, further validating the strength of the concept and its execution within the children’s market.

At the core of the series are universal PSHE-aligned themes; friendship, resilience, teamwork, confidence and problem-solving all woven organically into the narrative. The stories are intentionally crafted to support many settings: bedtime reading, independent reading and read-aloud settings, while also functioning as valuable classroom tools. Teachers have responded positively to their ability to prompt discussion, support emotional literacy and explore social development without feeling instructional.

Alongside writing, I actively engage with schools, where I see first-hand how children respond to humour, mystery, and relatable challenges. These interactions directly inform the tone and structure of my work, ensuring the stories remain authentic, accessible, and relevant.

The series is planned as a nine-book arc, offering strong continuity and brand longevity. With further titles in development, I am building a scalable property with clear international potential.</

Achievements & Recognitions

Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse: The Christmas Call

Awarded GOLD for 'The Christmas Call' by the Literary Titan!!

https://wp.me/p3cyvH-_LQP

Literary Titan Book Award: Children’s Books

Jan 2 Posted by Literary Titan

The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes children’s books that mesmerize audiences with incredible narratives, vibrant illustrations, charming characters, and fresh ideas. Offering well-earned accolades, we salute the imagination and exceptional skill of authors who create tales that spark curiosity and delight in young minds.

The Christmas Call, the latest instalment in J-J Murray’s Fang, Bang, and the Midnight Mouse series, is tailor-made for cozy holiday read-alouds shared with family. Illustrated by Katie Tayler, the story opens on a snug Christmas Eve with the Jollie family, where cat detectives Fang and Bang are reveling in their favorite season. The warmth doesn’t last long. Trouble strikes at the Hill Inn when a prized wheel of Stilton cheese disappears without a trace. Summoned to investigate, the two feline sleuths follow a tantalising trail of crumbs far from home, all the way to Cambridge, where they come face to face with Midnight Mouse and her mischievous crew. What follows is a brisk, festive mystery packed with sharp twists, seasonal mayhem, and more than a few cat-astrophes.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is how naturally it weaves together humor, intrigue, and genuine warmth. The pace is swift and confident, keeping young readers absorbed as Fang and Bang pursue clues through snowy streets, bustling museums, and even a Christmas carol service. The language remains light and approachable, sprinkled generously with cat puns that will prompt giggles from children and knowing smiles from adults. At times, the narrator speaks directly to the reader, posing questions and inviting them to think alongside the detectives, which adds a playful, interactive dimension to the story.

Katie Tayler’s illustrations brim with energy and charm. Every page feels alive with movement and warmth, allowing Fang and Bang’s distinct personalities to shine. The festive settings are richly imagined, and the artwork supports the text beautifully, guiding young readers through the action while deepening the cozy Christmas atmosphere.

Beneath the mystery lies a thoughtful message about generosity and empathy, particularly fitting for the holiday season. Midnight Mouse is not portrayed as a simple villain. Her motivations are handled with surprising tenderness, offering children a nuanced understanding that mistakes do not define a character’s worth. A brief section at the end exploring the history of Stilton cheese adds an unexpected educational touch, enhancing the story without interrupting its momentum.

Overall, this is a delightful choice for families seeking a festive tale that balances entertainment with heart. The Christmas Call is witty, inventive, and warmly inclusive, an excellent pick for young readers who enjoy mysteries, animal heroes, and Christmas adventures wrapped in charm.

Pages: 32 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FXNP9YC4

Social Media Post

Instagram Post from Publishing Push

Meet J-J Murray, the creative force behind Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse! Her love of storytelling began in childhood, fuelled by weekly trips to the library, where she'd check out as many books as possible. That passion only grew as she became a parent, reliving the joy of bedtime stories with her children. But the real spark for her book series came when two mischievous black cats, Otis and Zeno-lovingly nicknamed Fang and Bang-became part of the family. Their playful antics and distinct personalities inspired her to finally put pen to paper, bringing their adventures to life in a fun, fast-paced cat-and-mouse caper.

J-J's writing process is both structured and creative. She lets her imagination run wild, crafting stories that blend humor, charm, and timeless adventure. But before a book is finalized, it must pass the most important test- her children's approval. Their keen observations and honest feedback help shape each story, making them richer and funnier.

Her series follows Fang and Bang, two brothers who run the Mouse Manager's Detective Agency. They're always on the hunt for Midnight Mouse, a clever little thief with a weakness for cheese, who loves the thrill of the chase as much as they do. While the books are packed with fun and adventure, they also carry a subtle theme of resilience- because even when things don't go to plan, there's always another adventure waiting around the corner.

With book two, The Call from Buckingham Palace, already written and more stories in the pipeline, the adventures of Fang, Bang, and Midnight Mouse are just getting started!

https://www.jjmurrayauthor.com

School Author Visits

I have added school visits to my promotional strategy, bringing my stories directly to young audiences. These lively, interactive sessions have been met with enthusiastic feedback from teachers and parents, who praise the energy, engagement, and educational value I bring to the classroom.

I'm passionate about inspiring children to read and write and am committed to expanding school outreach, building lasting relationships with educators and creating memorable experiences that spark imagination and curiosity and explore key freindship and resilience PSHE themes.

Social Media Review

Teacher Review:

Read by Heart - Reviewer

~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT ~

Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse: The Call From 10 Downing Street. By J-J Murray

________

DESCRIPTION ~

Fang & Bang are no paw-dinary cats; they're the Mice Managers of Lane End Farm! With their smart tank tops, detective kits, and a love for solving mysteries, the cat brothers are called to action when the Prime Minister's cheese disappears mysteriously. Join Fang & Bang on their hilarious, whisker-tingling chase through the halls of power to catch the Midnight Mouse in this delightful story full of mischief and mayhem! This charming adventure debut story in the Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse series, with a gentle theme of resilience, is packed with laughter, fun, and exciting twists. Beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations with a vintage feel complement the story. It is perfect for children ages 3-8 and will keep adults amused, too! Watch out for Book 2 publishing soon...!

MY TAKE~

It is a delightful mix of whimsy, wit, and whiskers! Fang and Bang, two dapper detective cats with big hearts (and even bigger imaginations), make for charming protagonists in this hilarious mystery set in the halls of power. Their clumsy yet lovable efforts to outsmart the cheese-stealing Midnight Mouse keep the laughs coming for both kids and adults alike. With clever puns, playful dialogue, and beautifully vintage-style illustrations, this story is a treat to read aloud or enjoy solo. What makes it special is how it blends humour with subtle themes of resilience and teamwork. This is not just a children’s book—it’s an adventure you’ll want to be part of.

Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse:The Call From Buckingham Palace

Literary Titan 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Call from Buckingham Palace is a funny and fast-moving picture book about two cat detectives who get called to Buckingham Palace to protect a giant wheel of cheddar at the King’s birthday ball. Of course, things do not stay calm for long. A sneaky mouse shows up, the cheese goes flying, and the whole story turns into a goofy royal chase before midnight. It is packed with humor, bright illustrations, and a playful mystery that feels perfect for a read-aloud.

I had a really good time with this picture book. It feels warm, silly, and full of life. Fang and Bang are easy to like right away, and I loved the addition of Tilly the guard dog because she gives the team a fresh spark. The writing keeps things moving. It has that nice storytime rhythm. I also really liked the interactive parts where you look for the Midnight Mouse in the scenes. That kind of thing makes a book fun to share, and it would have kept me hooked as a kid.

What stood out most to me was how the book mixes fun with heart. It’s not just chaos and cheese, even though that is a big part of the charm. There is teamwork, problem-solving, and a sweet sense of friendship running through it all. The illustrations are a huge part of the magic, too. They are colorful, lively, and full of little details that make each page feel busy in the best way. I also love the bonus bit about the history of cheddar cheese. That is such a wonderful extra. It made me smile because it feels unexpected and clever.

I would definitely recommend this children’s book to parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone reading with kids around ages four to eight. It’s especially good for children who love animals, gentle mysteries, and stories that invite them to join in. I think it would shine at bedtime, during classroom read-alouds, or in family storytime. For me, it’s the kind of book that kids would ask for again, and the kind adults would not mind reading over and over.

Books by this Author

Fang, Bang and the Midnig...