Blog Tour: Jessica Cole Model Spy;Code Red Lipstick by Sarah Sky

Publisher: Scholastic UK

Release Date:June 5th 2014

Pages: 336

Source: Publisher

Age Range: Young Adult

Jessica Cole is a teen who is three things in one: a normal schoolgirl, a model and a spy. Her father is working as a detective for MI6 and when he goes missing, Jessica turns into a detective herself in a thrilling search to find him. This search takes her from London to Paris, where she finds out that her father's missing is not a standalone incident, but just one spark in a larger plot, something that has to do with dark secrets that find their way to a certain cosmetic company and some famous models But luckily for Jessica, she is not alone: MI6 covers her and helps her to find her dad back. During the search she crosses and meets a wide cast of characters, all involved in the plot, but who can she trust? And who knows more about her missing dad?

Are  you in for a book that is fast paced like a rollercoaster? Then Jessica Cole, Model Spy: Code Red Lipstick is definetely the book for you! The story of Jessica who has to find her missing detective father back, was very entertaining and filled with mysterious characters during the whole story. At some points I had a bit trouble keeping up with who was who and what their role was as they where all spies or undercover MI6 people. But beside from that, I loved everything about this book. Jessica's character was quirky and she was very determined to complete her secret mission from the first till the last part, when suddenly every piece of the puzzle comes together in a very creepy way and where the mystery of her dad is solved.This is a thrilling , very past paced new teen mystery that you don't want to miss!

Q&A with author Sarah Sky 

1 Where did you find inspiration for the characters and the story in Jessica Cole: Model Spy?

I’ve always loved spy books and films - I'm also interested in fashion. Working as a journalist, I’d interviewed quite a few teenage models and was fascinated by that life - walking the catwalk for world famous designers one day and being back at school, studying for GCSEs and A-levels the next. How do you juggle that kind of mad schedule?

Years later, I came across the diary a teenage supermodel wrote for a newspaper, detailing her days in Paris during Haute Couture Week, which really fired my imagination. What adventures could a teenage model get up to when she was away from her family? Could she use it as a cover for a secret life? Jessica Cole, a model spy was born. 

Next, I had to develop some mysteries and conspiracies for her to solve. My husband's a chemical engineer and we'd discussed nanotechnology - a development in science that's pretty amazing. It gave me the idea for the main thrust of the plot for book one. Family and friends are important to Jessica so I knew I had to develop a strong network of support around her. The other characters fell into place - helping or getting in Jessica's way as she tries to find out what has happened to her missing dad. I couldn't stop writing once I'd started and also outlined two further books.

2 What were the challenges in bringing the book to life?

I wanted a really fast-paced, gripping read so I had to make sure I had enough twists and turns in the plot to keep it storming ahead. Who could Jessica trust? Could she trust anyone? I also had to scatter enough clues throughout the book to build up to the shocking finale. On top of that I had to make sure I knew all the latest developments in spy technology and gadgets - were they realistic? Would Jessica find them useful?

3 What was the timeline from spark to publication and what were the significant highlights along the way?

From getting the initial idea to writing the book took around six months - at the end of which I gained an agent, Suzy Jenvey at PFD, which felt amazing. The book wasn't picked up straightaway and in the meantime PFD axed its children's department and I lost Suzy - a real blow. I was agentless and decided to go back to the drawing board with the book. I gained advice from Cornerstones literary consultancy, which I found really useful. I introduced new characters, sub plots and plot twists. Code Red Lipstick is pretty unrecognisable from the original version - and I believe far, far better after the rewrites. I sent the book out to agents again and was taken on by Ajda Vucicevic at LBA Associates (who's since left and been replaced by my new agent, Louise Lamont). Ajda received a lot of interest from publishers at London Book Fair and I was later offered a three-book deal from Scholastic. This was the biggest highlight of my writing career.

4 What do you want people to take away from reading your book?

I want readers to really root for Jessica and her quest for the truth. I want them to come away wanting to find out much, much more about Jessica's extraordinary life.

5 Which authors and/or books influenced you most as a young reader?

Growing up, I devoured Nancy Drew detective books and the Hardy Boys. I also loved Anne of Green Gables and read The Little Princess and The Wolves of Willoughby Chase over and over again. 

6 What is your next project?

I’ve written the next two books in the Jessica Cole: Model Spy series and am now in the editing process. I’d like to write more books in this series and have lots of ideas!

In the meantime, I’ve a few other things on the go. Before I got this contract, I was working on a series which I'm pretty excited about - another gutsy heroine, lots of adventure and mystery. I also have an idea for a Young Adult thriller which I’m keen to write. I just have to decide which one to do first!

 * Code Red Lipstick is published by Scholastic

 * @sarahsky23      www.sarahsky.co.uk