Derek Keilty

Derek Keilty grew up in Northern Ireland, where ancient castles, wild coastal rocks and misty peat bogs all seemed to have a story waiting to be discovered. Those childhood adventures stayed with him, inspiring the magical worlds and unforgettable characters that fill his books today.

Today Derek is the award-winning author of eighteen books for young readers. His internationally bestselling Ivy Newt series, illustrated by Magda Brol and published by Scallywag Press, has delighted children around the world and won the 2025 Nottinghamshire Libraries InspiRead Award.

He is also the creator of the much-loved Flyntlock Bones adventures – with The Sceptre of the Pharaohs named a Times Best Summer Read – and the acclaimed Will Gallows series, whose debut was a Richard & Judy Book Club selection and shortlisted for the Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year.

His latest series, Olivia Shivers: Spooky Special Agent, illustrated by Louis Ghibault, launches with Scallywag Press in 2026 and brims with ghosts, gadgets and giggles.

When he’s not writing, Derek visits schools across the UK and Ireland, encouraging children to discover the joy of reading and the confidence to create stories of their own.

Derek lives in Northern Ireland with his Canadian wife Elaine, their twin daughters, Sarah-Jane and Rebekah, and Duke the Bichon Frise, who firmly believes he is in charge.