AN OCEAN Academy pupil was amazed to receive a reply from author Robin Stevens after posing questions to her in a letter.

Robin Stevens, responsible for books such s Murder Most Unladylike and Arsenic for Tea, was sent a letter by 10-year-old Daisy Smith.

Daisy asked questions like ‘how do you know so much about murder’ and ‘are you picky about who dies and who is the murderer’ as part of her school’s World Book Day celebrations.

Other questions Daisy asked Mrs Stevens included: “Why do you write murder mystery books and are the characters based on other real-life people or completely random?’’

In her reply, which was sent via email, Mrs Stevens thanked Daisy for her letter and told her: “I love how curious you are - just like my own Daisy and Hazel (from Murder Most Unladylike).

“I know a lot about murder (in books) because I read a lot about it - I use plots from other authors’ books to help me think of my own.

“I do make a very careful plan, and I am always careful to know exactly who did it and why before I start writing. I have a lot of sympathy for my murderer and my victim, but I know I have to kill someone off.’’

Daisy admitted she is an avid reader, has been a fan of the books for two years and is contemplating becoming a detective when she is older.

She said: “Robin makes Daisy and Hazel seem really alive. I like the way in which it all fits at the end.

“I like Daisy more because she likes lots of sports and she’s very active.

“It was amazing to receive a response from my favourite author, I didn’t think she would reply. Her books have made me think it would be pretty cool to be a detective when I grow up.’’