A Thrilling Story for English Learners

Introduction Do you like exciting stories? Do you enjoy books about danger and adventure? If yes, then Zombie Attack! is the perfect book for you! This book is part of the Dominoes Quick Starter series by Oxford. It is written by Lesley Thompson and is great for A1 English learners.

What is the Story About? Professor Clark is a scientist. He works in a lab in California. He makes new medicines to help people. But this time, his work is different. He creates a special serum. His helper, Tasha Kiara, tells Chaz, a TV reporter, about this new project.

Suddenly, an earthquake happens! The earthquake is very strong. It shakes the ground and breaks the lab. The serum spills everywhere. Something very strange happens. The serum touches the graves in a cemetery. Then, the dead bodies wake up! They are zombies!

The zombies are dangerous. They walk into the city. They attack people. Now, Tasha and Chaz must stop them. But how? What happens to Professor Clark? Who will live, and who will die? Read the book to find out!

Why Should You Read This Book? This book is great for beginner English learners. Here are some reasons why you should read Zombie Attack!:

1. Easy Language – The book uses simple words and short sentences. It is perfect for A1 English learners.
2. Exciting Story – The story is full of action. You will want to read more and more!
3. Fun to Learn – You can learn new words and enjoy reading at the same time.
4. Beautiful Pictures – The book has colorful pictures to help you understand the story.

Who Are the Main Characters?

• Professor Clark – A smart scientist who makes a new serum.
• Tasha Kiara – Professor Clark’s helper. She is brave and wants to stop the zombies.
• Chaz – A local TV reporter. He wants to know the truth about the serum.
• The Zombies – They were dead, but now they are alive! They are dangerous and attack people.

What Can You Learn from This Book? This book is not only fun but also teaches important lessons:

• Science Can Be Dangerous – Professor Clark wants to help people, but his work creates a big problem.
• Bravery – Tasha and Chaz do not run away. They try to stop the zombies.
• Teamwork – Tasha and Chaz work together to save the city.

Conclusion Zombie Attack! is a fun and easy book for English learners. It is full of action and adventure. Do you want to know what happens? Read the book and enjoy the story!

Lesley Thomson British novelist and creative writing tutor at West Dean College 

Lesley Thomson: Mastermind of British Crime Fiction

Early Life and Education

Born in 1958, Lesley Thomson grew up in London, where she attended Holland Park Comprehensive School. She pursued higher education at the Universities of Brighton and Sussex, laying a strong academic foundation that would later influence her writing career.

Literary Beginnings

Thomson's foray into the literary world began with her debut novel, Seven Miles From Sydney, published in 1987 by Pandora Press. This initial work showcased her ability to weave intricate narratives, setting the stage for her future endeavors in crime fiction.

Breakthrough with A Kind of Vanishing

In 2007, Thomson published A Kind of Vanishing, a crime novel centered around the mysterious disappearance of a child in the abandoned Tide Mills Village in Sussex in 1968. The novel delves deep into themes of loss, memory, and the haunting impact of unresolved mysteries. Its compelling narrative and atmospheric setting resonated with readers, leading to its reissue in 2011 with an afterword by Thomson and an endorsement from renowned crime writer Ian Rankin. The novel's acclaim was further solidified when it won the People's Book Prize for Fiction in 2010.

The Detective's Daughter Series

Thomson's most notable contribution to crime fiction is The Detective's Daughter series. The inaugural novel, published in 2013, introduces readers to Stella Darnell, a character who uncovers her late father's obsession with an unsolved murder. As Stella delves into the case, she unravels secrets that challenge her perceptions and test her resolve. The novel's intricate plot and character development garnered widespread praise, leading to its recognition as the eBook of the Year on Sainsbury's eBooks in 2013.

The success of the first installment paved the way for subsequent titles in the series, including:

• Ghost Girl (2014): Stella investigates a haunting case that blurs the lines between the living and the dead.
• The Detective's Secret (2015): A deep dive into past crimes that resurface with deadly consequences.
• The House With No Rooms (2016): A chilling tale of hidden histories within an abandoned house.
• The Dog Walker (2017): Stella uncovers dark secrets lurking in London's parks.
• The Death Chamber (2018): A journey into historical crimes with present-day ramifications.
• The Playground Murders (2019): A revisit to childhood tragedies that cast long shadows.
• The Distant Dead (2020): Exploring the connections between seemingly unrelated deaths.
• The Companion (2021): A tale of trust and betrayal in close quarters.
• The Mystery of Yew Tree House (2023): Stella faces her most personal case yet, uncovering secrets tied to her own family history.

Each installment delves deeper into Stella's psyche, exploring her complexities and the challenges she faces as an amateur detective. Thomson's meticulous plotting and rich characterizations have made the series a staple for crime fiction enthusiasts.

Teaching and Mentorship

Beyond her writing, Thomson is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of writers. She co-runs a crime writing certificate program with fellow author Elly Griffiths at West Dean College in Sussex. This initiative reflects her commitment to sharing her expertise and passion for storytelling with aspiring authors.

Personal Life

Residing in Lewes with her partner and their poodle, Alfred, Thomson finds inspiration in her surroundings. Her personal experiences and the rich history of her locale often permeate her narratives, adding depth and authenticity to her storytelling. 

Critical Acclaim and Reader Reception

Thomson's works have consistently received positive reviews for their intricate plots and atmospheric settings. On Goodreads, her books have garnered an average rating of 3.68 across over 12,000 ratings, reflecting a strong and dedicated readership.

Her ability to intertwine personal histories with broader societal issues has been particularly lauded, offering readers not just a mystery to solve but a profound exploration of human nature and relationships.

Legacy and Future Works

With a career spanning over three decades, Lesley Thomson has firmly established herself as a luminary in British crime fiction. Her dedication to the craft, combined with her efforts in mentoring emerging writers, ensures that her influence will resonate within the literary community for years to come.

As readers eagerly anticipate her future projects, Thomson continues to craft narratives that challenge, entertain, and inspire, solidifying her legacy as a master storyteller in the realm of crime fiction.