Mirror Books signs five from Scandi noir 'sensation' Stein

Mirror Books has acquired a five-book series by "Scandi noir sensation", Jesper Stein.

The third bestselling author in Denmark, with over 250,000 copies sold, Stein has already won "huge critical and commercial success" across Denmark, but this is the first time his work is being translated into English, said the publisher. 

Film rights for his first three books have been secured by the producers of hit Scandi TV series "The Bridge" and foreign rights have sold to more than 10 countries including Germany, Italy, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

The first title in the series, Unrest, is due for publication in the UK on 19th July 2018.

Drawing on his experience of working as a crime reporter on a Danish newspaper, Stein introduces his "rough-hewn and complex" homicide detective, Axel Steen.

When the bound, hooded corpse of an unidentified man is found propped up against a gravestone in the central cemetery, Steen is assigned the case. Rogue camera footage soon suggests police involvement and links to the demolition of a nearby youth house, teeming with militant left-wing radicals.  But Axel soon discovers that many people, both inside and out of the force, have an unusual interest in the case – and in preventing its resolution.

With a rapidly worsening heart condition, an estranged ex-wife and beloved five-year-old daughter to contend with, Axel will not stop until the killer is caught, whatever the consequences. But the consequences turn out to be greater than expected – especially for Axel himself.

Paula Scott, publishing director of Mirror Books, said: "The Axel Steen series is one of the best examples of the hugely popular Scandi Noir genre and a fantastic addition to our ever-expanding crime fiction list. Jesper’s books are dark, seductive and gritty, and will undoubtedly find a broad fan base in the UK and beyond."

Sofie Voller, Politiken Literary Agency, Denmark, said: "We are thrilled to have signed this deal with Mirror Books. They have already proved to be a superb partner with their efforts and ambitions to grow and expand Jesper Stein’s brand and readership in the English speaking market."