Avon nets Pine's Christmas Killer

Avon Books has netted The Christmas Killer, the first title in a new series by Alex Pine.

Editor Molly Walker-Sharp negotiated world all language rights with Leslie Gardner at Artellus Ltd, to publish in all formats in October 2020.

The book is billed as a “a dark and atmospheric crime novel, set in a snowed-in Cumbrian village, where there’s a serial killer in their midst. And as the snow begins to fall, the body count begins to climb.”

Walker-Sharp said: “I am so delighted to be working with Alex Pine on this seasonal-read-with-a-difference. Pine masterfully delivers twist after twist, and I am not ashamed to say that my jaw hit the floor multiple times on reading, which is a true testament to his writing. Combined with the atmospheric Lake District setting, The Christmas Killer has all the makings of a perfect Christmas—cold, dark nights, a frosting of snow, mulled wine by the fire, and (crucially!) a bloody murder or two—and this is a must-read for any crime lovers this winter.”

Pine added: “I'm so excited that Avon have acquired my book—for me it's as though Christmas has come early, and I’m so thankful to the team for helping me make it happen.”

Avon won Imprint of the Year at the British Book Awards earlier this week.