Joel Arcanjo

Joel Arcanjo known as JJ Arcanjo is a half-Portuguese, half-English writer who grew up between the Algarve and Devon. He has a degree in Criminology and Psychology from Aberystwyth University and a Masters in Creative Writing and Publishing from City University, London, and currently works in Editorial at Bloomsbury Publishing. He’s published two crime novels for adults.

JJ’s debut middle-grade book, CROOKHAVEN: THE SCHOOL FOR THIEVES, was published by Hachette in 2022 and was announced as one of The Sunday Times best books for children in 2023. Its sequel, CROOKHAVEN: THE FORGOTTEN MAZE, was published in August 2023. The series’ third instalment, CROOKHAVEN: THE ISLAND HEIST, was published in June 2024. The fourth instalment CROOKHAVEN: THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTRESS, was published in January 2025. The fifth instalment CROOKHAVEN: THE THIEVES’ REVENGE was published August 2025.

A brand-new, action-packed series by JJ titled BEAST MODE: THE ANIMAL AWAKENS will be published in July 2026.