📖 Overview
Matt Whyman is a British author and advice columnist known for his diverse writing portfolio spanning young adult fiction, memoirs, and collaborative works. His critically acclaimed novel "Boy Kills Man" (2004), which explores the lives of Colombian child assassins, has been translated and published internationally.
As an advice columnist, Whyman broke ground as the first male columnist for 19 magazine in 1995 and maintained an 18-year tenure at Bliss Magazine. His expertise in teenage issues led to numerous health awareness campaigns with organizations like BBC Radio 1 and Macmillan, as well as a co-presenting role on ITV's "Love Bites."
Beyond his solo work, Whyman has established himself as a ghostwriter and collaborative author, working with notable figures including Billy Connolly, Gareth Southgate, and Matthew Syed. His creative writing teaching experience extends internationally through his work with the British Council in Russia, Mexico, Africa, and the Middle East.
Whyman's versatility is further demonstrated through his bestselling memoirs, including "Walking With Sausage Dogs" (2011) and "The Unexpected Genius of Pigs" (2018). His educational background includes an MA from the UEA Creative Writing course, where he studied under Sir Malcolm Bradbury and Rose Tremain.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Whyman's ability to tackle serious topics with sensitivity and depth. His YA novel "Boy Kills Man" received praise for its unflinching portrayal of child assassins without sensationalism. One Goodreads reviewer noted: "Raw and powerful without being gratuitous."
His memoirs draw positive feedback for their humor and warmth. Readers of "Walking with Sausage Dogs" highlighted the book's blend of family life observations with genuine pet insights. A common thread in reviews is Whyman's skill at balancing light moments with deeper reflections.
Some readers found his early YA works less engaging than his later books. A few Amazon reviews mentioned pacing issues in "Inside the Cage" and "The Savages" series.
Average ratings across platforms:
- Goodreads: 3.8/5 (across all works)
- Amazon UK: 4.2/5
- Amazon US: 4.0/5
"The Unexpected Genius of Pigs" earned particular praise for research depth, with readers noting its educational value while maintaining accessibility. One reviewer stated: "Changed how I think about farm animals without preaching."
📚 Books by Matt Whyman
Boy Kills Man
Set in Medellín, Colombia, this novel follows a 12-year-old boy who becomes entangled in the world of child assassins working for drug cartels.
Walking with Sausage Dogs A memoir chronicling life with the author's family and their expanding collection of dachshunds in rural England.
The Unexpected Genius of Pigs A non-fiction exploration of pig intelligence and behavior based on the author's experience of keeping pigs as pets.
Walking with Sausage Dogs and Other Animals An expanded memoir detailing the author's experiences with various pets including dachshunds, chickens, and miniature pigs.
Inside the Cage A young adult novel about a teenage boy who becomes involved in the underground world of mixed martial arts fighting.
Goldstrike A thriller following teenage hacker Carl Hobbes as he faces dangerous consequences after breaking into Fort Knox's security system.
The Savages A dark comedy about a seemingly normal family with unusual dietary preferences and their teenage daughter's first romance.
Walking with Sausage Dogs A memoir chronicling life with the author's family and their expanding collection of dachshunds in rural England.
The Unexpected Genius of Pigs A non-fiction exploration of pig intelligence and behavior based on the author's experience of keeping pigs as pets.
Walking with Sausage Dogs and Other Animals An expanded memoir detailing the author's experiences with various pets including dachshunds, chickens, and miniature pigs.
Inside the Cage A young adult novel about a teenage boy who becomes involved in the underground world of mixed martial arts fighting.
Goldstrike A thriller following teenage hacker Carl Hobbes as he faces dangerous consequences after breaking into Fort Knox's security system.
The Savages A dark comedy about a seemingly normal family with unusual dietary preferences and their teenage daughter's first romance.
👥 Similar authors
Anthony Horowitz writes action-packed young adult novels that deal with serious themes and complex moral situations. His Alex Rider series shares similar elements with Whyman's portrayal of young people facing adult challenges, and both authors maintain a direct, unflinching approach to difficult subject matter.
Melvin Burgess explores controversial topics in young adult fiction with a focus on real-world issues and social commentary. His work, like Whyman's, addresses challenging subjects through the lens of youth experience while maintaining authenticity in voice and perspective.
Robert Muchamore creates stories about young people operating in adult worlds of espionage and conflict. His CHERUB series parallels Whyman's approach to examining youth caught in complex situations, particularly in works like "Boy Kills Man."
Kevin Brooks writes young adult fiction that deals with dark themes and urban realities. His narrative style shares similarities with Whyman's treatment of serious subjects and exploration of youth perspectives in challenging circumstances.
Michael Morpurgo combines research-based storytelling with emotional depth in his examination of serious themes for young readers. His work, like Whyman's, draws from real-world situations and demonstrates respect for young readers' ability to engage with complex subjects.
Melvin Burgess explores controversial topics in young adult fiction with a focus on real-world issues and social commentary. His work, like Whyman's, addresses challenging subjects through the lens of youth experience while maintaining authenticity in voice and perspective.
Robert Muchamore creates stories about young people operating in adult worlds of espionage and conflict. His CHERUB series parallels Whyman's approach to examining youth caught in complex situations, particularly in works like "Boy Kills Man."
Kevin Brooks writes young adult fiction that deals with dark themes and urban realities. His narrative style shares similarities with Whyman's treatment of serious subjects and exploration of youth perspectives in challenging circumstances.
Michael Morpurgo combines research-based storytelling with emotional depth in his examination of serious themes for young readers. His work, like Whyman's, draws from real-world situations and demonstrates respect for young readers' ability to engage with complex subjects.