Martyn Waites pens crime series for Bonnier Zaffre

Bonnier Zaffre has acquired two titles in a new series by thriller writer Martyn Waites (aka Tania Carver).

Waites, who previously wrote the Brennan & Esposito series for Little, Brown under the pseudonym Tania Carver, will be writing this new series under his own name.

Katherine Armstrong, senior editor Bonnier Zaffre, acquired UK, Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, and EU rights from Jane Gregory of Gregory & Co.

The books focus on Tom Killgannon, an ex-undercover police officer now in witness protection in Cornwall. The publisher describes the series as "contemporary-issue focused with beautiful settings and pacy plots". 

Armstrong, senior editor at Bonnier Zaffre, said: "I’ve long been a fan of Martyn’s work, from his Joe Donovan series to his writing as Tania Carver. With the first book in the new Tom Killgannon series, Martyn takes us deep into the dark heart of a community that keeps its secrets. The atmospheric writing and the descriptions of what seems to be a place that people have forgotten really intrigues, and Martyn is a master at leaving you wanting more. This is Lee Child meets Stuart MacBride meets Peter May, and something that I’m very excited to be publishing."

Waites, who has previously been nominated for the Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year Award, said: "I’m absolutely delighted to have Katherine as my new editor, and to be joining such an exciting crime list. Bonnier Zaffre are a wonderful team with real passion and commitment and I can’t wait to start working with them. Tom Killgannon has found a good home."

Gregory, agent, said, "I am so pleased that Martyn has chosen to work with Bonnier Zaffre. The enthusiasm of Katherine and the Bonnier Zaffre team is so infectious that it has given Martyn’s writing a whole new lease of life."

Bonnier Zaffre will publish the first book in the series, The Old Religion, in spring 2018.