Canongate seizes Hewson's Medici mysteries 

Canongate has snapped up The Medici Murders, the of first of two books in a new series by crime novelist David Hewson.

Editorial director Simon Thorogood acquired world rights to The Medici Murders and the second book in the historical mystery series directly from the author. The first installment will be published in paperback and digital in May 2023.

"The Medici Murders will introduce readers to retired archivist Arnold Clover as he unravels a mystery in the heart of Venice’s alleys and canals, stirring up century-old scandals, intrigue and murderous rivalries," the synopsis reads.

Thorogood said: "David’s new mystery series is as rich in history as it is in intrigue. Venice is a character in herself and the pages are alive with drama, Renaissance intrigue and modern-day puzzles. And The Medici Murders introduces our unlikely hero, Arnold Clover, retired archivist and widower; a man all too easy to underestimate".

Hewson is a former journalist with the Times, Sunday Times and the Independent. He is the author of more than 25 novels, including his Rome-based Nic Costa series which has been published in 15 languages, and his Amsterdam-based series featuring detective Pieter Vos. He has also written three adaptations of the Danish TV series, "The Killing". 

"I’ve long been an admirer of Canongate for its eclectic and imaginative approach to publishing," he said. "It’s a delight to be joining such a distinguished family with a new Italian series that will, I hope, transport readers to new sides of this much-loved country seen through the eyes of a unique and occasionally slyly unreliable narrator."