Aurum triumphs in five-way auction for 'rare glimpse' into world of forensics

Aurum, an imprint of Quarto, has triumphed in a five-way auction for Every Contact Leaves a Trace by a senior crime scenes investigator, Jo Ward.

Nira Begum, senior commissioning editor, acquired world all-language rights from Max Edwards at Aevitas Creative Management UK. The book will publish in June 2024.

Ward’s investigations into high profile crimes – murder, domestic killings, infanticide and rape – has been the subject of a BBC Two television documentary, “Forensics – the Real CSI”. Every Contact Leaves a Trace is described by the publisher as “a rare glimpse into a formidable woman and the world of forensics, chronicling some of Jo’s toughest and ground-breaking cases and offering an insight into how she copes despite seeing the most shocking excesses of humanity”.

Ward said: “I deal with things that no human being should ever see. But I always say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I am excited to be writing my first book and privileged to be working with Nira and the whole Aurum team.”

Begum said: “Jo is a remarkable woman. Her job as a highly regarded senior forensics specialist is such a fascinating one, and the book offers a professional and personal insight into her world. It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome Jo to Aurum and I am thrilled to be publishing her book.”