Avon signs five from Finch

HarperCollins imprint Avon Books has signed a five-book deal with former policeman Paul Finch.

Editor Helen Bolton acquired world English language rights from Julian Friedmann at Blake Friedmann.

Finch’s firtst novel Stalkers was a number one e-book bestseller, selling nearly 150,000 copies across e-book and paperback. His follow-up novel Sacrifice has had more than 10,000 pre-orders in e-book format ahead of its summer release.

After a career in the police force, Finch became a fulltime writer, working on scripts for TV crime drama The Bill, as well as for film, audio drama and children’s animation.

Friedmann said: “As an ex-cop who is passionate about writing, Paul’s voice is truly distinctive. We’re thrilled with the phenomenal success of his first two novels with Avon and are delighted to continue this winning relationship.”