Avon buys two books from debut author G D Wright

Avon Books has acquired two books by debut author G D Wright.

Senior commissioning editor Rachel Hart acquired world rights from Nicky Lovick at WGM and will publish the first book, After The Storm, in August 2024.

After The Storm is “a propulsive police procedural set on the south coast of England in which a child’s tragic but suspicious drowning rips a small community apart with devastating consequences,” Avon said. It is amed for fans of Gillian McAllister and Ann Cleeves, as well as shows like “Broadchurch”, “Happy Valley” and “The Bay”.

Hart said: “As soon as I finished After The Storm I knew I had to publish it. The small-town backdrop creates a claustrophobia that makes it impossible to put down, while Gary’s insight as a former policeman injects an unmatched authenticity. The result is an emotional and twisty crime novel that will leave readers guessing right up to the last page.”

Wright said: “I know that After the Storm is in the safest of hands with this wonderful bunch.”  

After joining Kent Police at the age of 18, Wright then suffered two cardiac arrests aged 29 that led to the diagnosis of a life-limiting and incurable disease of the heart. Following the implantation of an internal defibrillator into his heart, he was unable to continue policing and retired at the age of 30. He went to buy a coffee shop in Ramsgate Harbour and now writes full time.