Bonnier Books UK to launch Ollerton as fiction brand

Ex-special forces soldier turned TV star Matthew "Ollie" Ollerton is publishing a debut thriller with Bonnier Books UK.

Scar Tissue will publish in hardback, e-book and audiobook on 12th November 2020. Matt Phillips, publisher for Blink and John Blake, acquired world rights to the book in a "major" deal from David Riding at the MBA Literary Agency.

The book introduces readers to "a new kind of hero" – Alex Abbott, an ex-special forces soldier "whose troubled past is about to catch up with him". The story is set in 2003, just after the Battle of Baghdad, and according to Bonnier Books UK it is informed by Ollerton’s own experiences gained as a Special Boat Service soldier and working as a private security contractor in the Middle East. Ollerton has since found fame on Channel 4's "SAS: Who Dares Wins".

Publication will be supported by a "top tier" publicity and marketing campaign to launch Ollerton as a fiction brand, with news and updates for fans on: ollieollerton.com/scar-tissue

According to Bonnier Books UK, books from the stars of "SAS: Who Dares Wins" have now sold over one million copies through the TCM, but Ollerton will be the first to launch a series of fiction titles based on his experience on the frontline. His two previous books were Break Point and Battle Ready, both Sunday Times bestsellers.

Ollerton said: "When I first started talking about my life, I realised how many stories I had to tell. For me it was the natural next step to use these as the basis for some realistic, and hopefully entertaining fiction. Personally, I’m tired of reading about heroes who never put a foot wrong, and always have the perfect quip. That’s why I came up with Alex Abbott. Here is a man I think we can all relate to. He’s not perfect, he makes mistakes, but he’s trying to be a better person. I’ve spent my post-military life trying to help others. I hope that I can continue to do so by telling stories of resilience, struggle and personal transformation, this time in fiction form."

Phillips said: "Forget Bond and Bourne, it’s time for a new kind of hero. And in Alex Abbott, Ollie’s created one that’s completely remarkable. Ollie is a natural storyteller and an inspirational individual, and his stories are filled with action, moral quandaries and more twists than an entire series of 'SAS: Who Dare Wins'. His new thriller really does take the reader closer to the action."