Canelo Crime snaps up three-book deal from Scarr

Canelo Crime has snapped up a three-book deal with Louisa Scarr, a new crime series from the author following PC Lucy Halliday. 

Publishing director Louise Cullen acquired world English rights from Ed Wilson at Johnson & Alcock. Finding the Dead, the first book in the series, will be published in May 2024. 

"Louisa Scarr is both a brilliant crime writer and the owner of an unruly spaniel, so this a series only she could write," said Wilson. "We’re delighted to be working with Canelo again, who have been dogged in their dedication to getting Louisa’s books in front of thousands of readers." 

The series will be set in New Forest where Lucy works with her specialist search dog, Moss. In Finding the Dead Lucy, still recovering from her husband’s disappearance 18 months before, is called out to search for a body once a severed hand is found in the woodland. Working with DI Jack Ellis and Moss, the group find the murderer’s "dumping ground". The synopsis continues: "All this time, Lucy has suspected her husband is dead. As a renowned investigative journliast, he was always looking at things he shouldn’t be. Could this woodland hold the answer?" 

Scarr has previously written a five-book series with Canelo Crime and, under the name Sam Holland, written two books, The Echo Man (HarperCollins) and The Twenty (HarperCollins). She commented: "I am fascinated by the world of police dog handling and their incredible training, dedication, and expertise, so writing Finding the Dead has been an absolute joy. I can’t wait to find out what the future holds for PC Lucy Halliday."

Cullen said: "Louisa’s ability to create the world of policing is matched only by her skill at crafting characters with great depth and emotional resonance. In combination with her eye for dark humour, and masterful plotting, there is no doubt that readers are going to love this new series. She is an author we’re enormously proud of and we look forward to working with her on these new crime novels."