Amazon imprint signs three-book series from debut crime writer Kane

Amazon Publishing imprint Thomas & Mercer has signed a three-book series from debut crime writer S W Kane.

World English language rights were acquired from Jane Gregory at David Higham Literary Agency for The Bone Jar and two untitled novels. The first book will be published in print, e-book, and audio in Spring 2020.

Kane, a pseudonym for PR consultant Siân Williams, tells the story of detective Lou Kirby of London’s Murder Investigation Team and urban explorer Connie Darke as they investigate the death of an elderly woman in the derelict Blackwater Asylum on the banks of the Thames. The victim is quickly identified as a former nurse with a long list of enemies and the secrets of the ward’s dark past unravel a perplexing case.

Kane said: “It's every writer's dream to get their first book deal, so I'm over the moon. I'm very much looking forward to working with Jack and the team and can't wait to release my characters into the wild.”

Jack Butler, editor at Thomas & Mercer, said: “As soon as I picked up The Bone Jar I knew that Siân was going to be a perfect fit for Amazon Publishing. The pace and suspense of this book is so strong that I ripped through it in one sitting, and Siân’s layered drawing of characters and setting absolutely jump off the page. Not only that, she harnesses a unique urban exploration angle that provides an ingenious backdrop for this cerebral, dark series, which I’m sure will delight readers who are on the look-out for a bold new voice in the genre.”