OUP scoops Ramirez's children fiction debut

Oxford University Press Children’s will publish a debut children's fiction series from BBC historian Dr Janina Ramirez.

Set in the fictional Viking village of 'Kilsgard', Riddle of the Runes: A Viking Mystery follows Alva, “a fearless young detective and shield maiden as she unravels a series of thrilling mysteries with her Uncle Magnus”. Aimed at readers aged nine and above, the four books are said to combine “the enduring popularity of the Vikings with the huge appeal of mystery stories”.

Liz Cross, head of publishing at OUP children's, and editorial assistant Gillian Sore, acquired world rights to the titles from Rosemary Scoular at United Agents. The first book will be published in May 2018, followed by the second book in February 2019.

Ramirez has been writing and presenting TV documentaries for the BBC since 2010, as well as hosting an art history podcast with more than a million listeners.

She has previously written adult non-fiction including Julian of Norwich: A Very Brief History (SPCK) and The Private Lives of the Saints: Power, Passion and Politics in Anglo-Saxon England (WH Allen).

Ramirez said: “It has always been my dream to write fiction, and now I've been able to create the world of Kilsgard from the benefit of 20 years studying the Viking period. Steeped in Runes, riddles and revelations, this book is set against the dramatic backdrop of the mountains of Sweden, and takes readers on a thrilling 24-hour investigation to find truth and treasure.”