Penguin Michael Joseph lands two more from Jónasson

Penguin Michael Joseph has bought two more books from Scandinavian crime author Ragnar Jónasson.

Publishing director Maxine Hitchcock acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, including audio, to Outside and White Death from David Headley at the DHH Literary Agency. 

Outside, to be published in 2022, will revolve around a group of friends who, caught in a snowstorm, seek shelter in a cabin – but it isn’t long before one of them ends up dead. 

White Death will be published in 2023 and is billed as a "chilling locked room mystery in which a young police officer is determined to crack a mysterious murder from years before". 

Hitchcock said: "That Ragnar has enjoyed so much success this past year is of no surprise to us at Penguin Michael Joseph — he is a superlative storyteller whose novels chill and haunt in equal measure. Exceptional plots matched only by unforgettable characters and mesmerising writing. We are so proud to be his UK publisher and look forward to publishing his very first standalone thriller, The Girl Who Died, next spring. It’s a stunning book and will ensure he takes the next step in his already impressive career."

Jónasson commented: "It has been an incredible honour to work with Penguin Michael Joseph in recent years, and I am delighted to be able to continue the partnership with their amazing team. It will be very exciting to bring Outside and White Death to readers in the UK."

Jónasson's previous novels include The Darkness (Penguin, 2018) and The Island (Penguin, 2019).