Violet and the Velvets

In this brand new series, Violet Grumble, twelve-year-old rock star in the making, forms a band with a ragtag group of friends. Against all odds, can they make their way through to the BandChamps finals AND solve mysteries along the way?

VIOLET AND THE VELVETS / BOOK 1

The Case of the Missing Stuff

Illustrated by Phoebe Morris

Meet Violet Grumble: a music-loving, guitar-toting tween whose dream is to compete at BandChamps.

The problem is that none of her friends can play an instrument. Violet won’t let that stop her! But things get tougher when the band’s gear starts to go missing – what’s going on?

Can Violet solve the mystery and harness her ADHD powers? Can she help the Velvets overcome stage fright AND beat The Alphas at the final showdown?

After all, you only need three chords to play a song … how hard can it be?

A percentage of all royalties for the Violet and the Velvets series will be donated to Girls Rock Aotearoa – check out their amazing mahi!

FOR READERS 7+

PUBLISHED BY

NZ March 2025 / Allen & Unwin NZ

Australia March 2025 / Allen & Unwin Australia

FOR READERS 7+

PUBLISHED BY

NZ August 2025 / Allen & Unwin NZ

Australia August 2025 / Allen & Unwin Australia

VIOLET AND THE VELVETS / BOOK 2

The Case of the Angry Ghost

Illustrated by Phoebe Morris

Violet and her band have made it to BandChamps!

Armed with their own songs, they’re competing alongside their school rivals, The Alphas, for glory.

But wait! Strange goings-on are afoot at the Royal Theatre, where it’s rumoured a grumpy ghost ballerina haunts the stage.

Can Violet and her friends solve the mystery of the angry ghost? And how can they possibly win when they’re all feeling so spooked?

It’s going to take courage, detective work and a lot of creative thinking — have they got what it takes?

Watch out for Books 3 & 4 coming in 2026!

Listen to the song from the book! Too Shy by Violet and the Velvets!

REVIEWS

“This book celebrates individuality and friendship, the perfect antidote to an overly cultivated online world. It's joyous and fun. I loved it.”
Bren MacDibbleAcross the Risen Sea, The Raven's Song

“Violet and the Velvets keeps the excitement high from start to finish. The pacing is fast and engaging, with plenty of twists to keep readers hooked... King has crafted an empowering story that will strike a chord with young readers everywhere.”
Kete Review of Books

“King’s casual but intentional gender and neurodiversity inclusion is smoothly integrated into the story and elevates Violet and The Velvets from a simple madcap mystery into a novel with a lot of kick and genuine heart.”
Read NZ