S&S lands SAS veteran's account of terror attack

Simon & Schuster has signed UK and Commonwealth rights to an untitled, first-hand account by Chris Craighead, of how he responded alone to an Al-Shabaab terror attack in Kenya.

The memoir was acquired from Natasha Fairweather at RCW.

In the book, Craighead, an SAS veteran, reveals the story of how he led a rescue mission in Nairobi in January 2019, to save hundreds of people who were under attack from a terrorist cell.

The synopsis explains: "Craighead not only led many of the survivors to safety, but he also ensured that all the terrorists were killed; his bravery that day led to him being awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and an audience with the US president."

Deputy publishing director Ian Marshall said: "There have been many high-octane SAS stories told over the years, but usually the action comes after a period of meticulous planning. In this case, Chris received a call from a friend and went racing across Nairobi to see what he could do to help. When he reached the DusitD2 hotel complex, he found chaos and confusion, after a suicide bomb had exploded. While most would wait for back-up, Chris knew he had to help save as many as he could and stop the terrorists by any means possible before they killed more people. How he did it is a terrifyingly action-packed story that you just know is going to make a brilliant film."

Craighead added: "I’m delighted to be working with Simon & Schuster who immediately got what I wanted to do with this book. Reading SAS tales of daring and adventure in the Second World War inspired me as a boy to join the British Army. Twenty-eight years later, I hope the story of my actions that day in Nairobi will inspire all who read it."

 S&S will publish the book in July 2021.