Two new Val McDermid thrillers to Little, Brown

Little, Brown has acquired two more thrillers from "Queen of Crime" Val McDermid.

Lucy Malagoni, editorial director for Sphere Fiction, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to two novels from Jane Gregory at Gregory & Company. The first of these two novels will be published in 2017.

Malagoni said: "I am over the moon that Sphere will be publishing more novels from the inimitable Val McDermid. Val is the most extraordinary writer who continues to thrill and excite readers with every book – it is both a privilege and a pleasure to work with her."

Gregory said: "Working with David Shelley, Lucy Malagoni and the Little, Brown team is a joy for Val and for me, so I am delighted we have another deal in place."

McDermid publishes her 30th novel Out of Bounds on 25th August and later this week will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Crime Fiction Award at the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.

She said: "I'm delighted to continue my relationship with the team at Little, Brown who have demonstrated that even after thirty novels there are still new heights to conquer. It’s great to work with such enthusiastic people who relish challenge as much as I do."

Little, Brown m.d. Charlie King added: "Val is one of the world’s most talented and brilliant crime writers. Everyone at Little, Brown is hugely proud to publish her, and we are thrilled by the prospect of working with Val for many years to come."