Allison & Busby acquires Bartlett’s third Brighton thriller 

Allison & Busby has acquired the third instalment of Graham Bartlett’s crime series set in Brighton, entitled City on Fire.

Susie Dunlop, publishing director, acquired world English rights from David Headley at the DHH Literary Agency. City on Fire will be published in spring 2024, and sits alongside Bad for Good, Bartlett’s debut, published in June 2022, and Force of Hate, which publishes in paperback in September 2023.

Dunlop said: “Graham’s accomplished debut was simply one of the best books to come across my desk in a long time. It was a no-brainer for me to sign two books on the spot, and I couldn’t be happier that we now have a third on the way.

“His exemplary background as a former chief superintendent of Brighton and Hove Police, coupled with his role as advisor to some of the world’s bestselling crime authors, make Graham a dream author."

Bartlett said: “I’m very happy to follow up Bad for Good and Force of Hate with the third Jo Howe novel, City on Fire. Allison and Busby’s and David Headley’s faith in my writing has given me opportunities I’d never have imagined and I’m delighted that the team remains together to bring this terrifying instalment to readers everywhere."

Headley added: “Graham’s storytelling prowess is evident in his ability to seamlessly blend his knowledge for policing facts and imagination, resulting in a truly mesmerising narrative.”