Murphy's 'gripping' psychological thriller series to Constable

Constable has signed a new Irish crime series by Martina Murphy, an author who has also written general fiction for Little, Brown as Martina Reilly.

It will publish two "gripping" psychological crime fiction novels from the author after publishing director Krystyna Green acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Caroline Hardman at Hardman & Swainson.

Set on atmospheric Achill Island, the series features DS Lucy Golden, recently returned from Dublin. The first in the series, The Night Caller, publishes in August 2021, with a mass market paperback to follow in January 2022.

In The Night Caller, the body of a popular local teacher is found in Doogort bog, rocking the close-knit community. The synopsis reads: "With a husband in jail for fraud and an increasingly sullen teenage son, the last thing Lucy needs is a complicated murder case. When a further body is found, with links to a 20-year-old murder, the stakes are raised. Can Lucy put the pieces together, or will her family crisis mean the murderer can claim another victim?" An untitled sequel is also included in the deal.

Murphy, a pen name also adopted for her YA writing, has previously written general fiction as Martina Reilly published by Little, Brown and Hachette Ireland, and her novel Something Borrowed was longlisted for an IMPAC award. 

Green said: "I am so excited to have signed Martina, whose writing I have always admired, to the Constable list. I’m just delighted she’s now decided to write gripping psychological crime fiction which is the genre I absolutely love. And the remote and beautiful setting of Achill Island makes the unfolding drama extra special."

Murphy said: "I am thrilled to have signed with Krystyna and Constable Crime. I’m really looking forward to working with this wonderful team and introducing everyone to DI Lucy Golden and the stunning surrounds of Achill Island, a place close to my heart."