Bloomsbury Children’s bags Sedgman’s ‘totally brilliant’ middle-grade series in six figure pre-empt

Bloomsbury Children’s Books has pre-empted a major new middle-grade series from Sam Sedgman, co-author of the Adventures on Trains series.

Publishing in spring 2024, The Clockwork Conspiracy is the first book in the Isaac Turner Investigates series and Sedgman’s first solo middle-grade project. Ellen Holgate, head of fiction, acquired world rights in three books from Kirsty McLachlan at Morgan Green Creatives in a significant six-figure pre-empt.

“This is Bloomsbury Children’s biggest series launch of 2024,” Holgate said. “It’s a totally brilliant, real-world contemporary mystery with a plot that never lets up and a crime-solving protagonist set to become the new family favourite.”

The Clockwork Conspiracy is the story of aspiring inventor Isaac Turner, who lives with his dad, the chief horologist in charge of Big Ben. “When Isaac’s father vanishes from the belfry on the night the clocks go back, leaving behind only a smashed pocket watch and a cryptic message, Isaac determines to find him,” the synopsis reads. “Hunting a trail of clues through London’s landmarks, Isaac uncovers a sinister plot in the gears of government and must race against time to save his father – and time itself.”

The publication will be supported by a  international rights strategy and a super-lead sales, marketing and PR campaign.

Sedgman is a bestselling author whose Adventures on Trains series, co-authored with M G Leonard, is published in 20 languages. As well as writing books, he is a presenter, podcaster and an award-winning digital producer. He currently presents “Down the Rabbit Hole”, a podcast about children’s books, and also chairs discussions and interviews for festivals and publishing events.

“I’ve been working on this book for a very long time, ever since the idea first struck me on a tour of Big Ben with my dad. I put in everything that 10-year-old me would have devoured: a locked-room mystery, rooftop chases, codes to crack and clues to solve, all set in a fascinating real place that’s crammed with weird and exciting facts about the amazing world around us.”

Children’s rights director Barney Duly added: “Sam’s stunningly compelling new series arrives at the perfect time for rights. It’s our super-lead for the coming year, and we can’t wait to see the buzz build as the clock ticks down to Bologna 2023. We have no doubt that this is a worldwide hit in the making.”