'Gripping' crime debut to Urbane

Indie publisher Urbane Publications has signed up crime writer Lloyd Otis’ "gripping" debut Dead Lands, set to publish in October 2017.

The publisher has world rights to the title.

Dead Lands is a "thrilling" crime story set in the 1970s. When a woman’s body is found, a special team is called in to investigate and prime suspect Alex Troy is arrested for the murder. Desperate to remain a free man, Troy protests his innocence, but refuses to use his alibi. Trying to protect the woman he loves becomes a dangerous game - questions are asked and suspicions deepen. When the prime suspect completes a daring escape from custody, DI Breck and DS Kearns begin the hunt.

Otis brings a "startling" account of the past back to life over a burgeoning ‘70s landscape, and delivers a "thrilling "piece of crime fiction that "will excite any fan of the genre", the publisher said.

Matthew Smith, publishing director of Urbane, said: "When Urbane was founded the aim was always to create a platform to give debut writers a chance to shine, and the crime and thriller genre in particular has benefitted hugely from the new talent that continues to deliver such fantastic books. Lloyd is no exception. Dead Lands is not just a gripping thriller, with twists, turns and action any crime fan will relish; Lloyd has recreated a evocative slice of 70s history, tackling key cultural themes such as race and class with confidence and skill."

Otis currently works as an editor and has interviewed a host authors including Mark Billingham, Hugh Howey, Kerry Hudson, and Lawrence Block.

Urbane will publish Dead Lands in paperback and e-book, October 2017.