In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries interviews middle-grade author Taryn Souders about her latest book, Secrets of the Broken House, as well as mysteries, memorable characters, and her creative process. Taryn discusses how she developed Tucker Stephens and the quirky town of Everson, where goats can run for mayor, and how a suspicious death draws three friends into a web of secrets. Annisha and Taryn examine how humor, heart, and curiosity blend in her stories and why middle-grade mysteries remain popular among young readers. They also talk about Taryn’s other favorite books, her writing journey, and offer advice for kids aspiring to be authors. This episode is ideal for librarians, educators, parents, and middle-grade fans who enjoy smart, engaging stories.

📚 Featured Books

• Secrets of the Broken House
• How to Almost Ruin Your Summer
• Coop Knows the Scoop
• The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle

🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• How Taryn builds kid detectives and small-town mysteries
• The inspiration behind Secrets of the Broken House
• Why flawed, funny, and curious characters matter
• How she balances suspense with emotional depth
• Writing advice for young storytellers

🌐 Author Website

Learn more about Taryn and her books at:

www.tarynsouders.com

🌟 About the Author

Taryn Souders writes middle-grade novels filled with humor, heart, and clever mysteries. Her books explore friendship, community, and what happens when kids decide to ask big questions—and follow the clues.

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