HoZ signs Golden Age murder mystery

Head of Zeus has signed a "Golden Age murder mystery" by British Library consultant and Crime Writers' Association chair Martin Edwards.

Nicolas Cheetham, publisher at Head of Zeus, acquired world rights from James Wills at Watson, Little for Gallows Court by Edwards.

The first in a new series of fast-paced murder mysteries set in 1930s London, Gallows Court is pitched as a "Golden Age Girl With the Dragon Tattoo", featuring an "extraordinary" female anti-hero and dark psychological twists.

Edwards is a president of the Detection Club, and chair of the CWA.

Cheetham said: "Nobody knows more than Martin Edwards about between-the-wars crime fiction and here he puts his expertise to good use. Gallows Court is a thoroughly modern return to the dark streets of 1930s London — the golden age of detective fiction lives on!”

Edwards said: “Writing a suspense novel set in the past rather than a present-day whodunit is an exciting departure for me, and I’m thrilled to be working with Nic Cheetham and his team.”

Head of Zeus will publish Gallows Court in hardback, export trade paperback, e-book and audiobook in September 2018.