Embla Books signs new crime series by Buchanan

Embla Books, the digital-first commercial fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has signed Tracy Buchanan for three books in a new crime series.

Editorial director Cara Chimirri acquired world English language rights from Caroline Hardman at Hardman & Swainson. The series stars Dr Vanessa Marwood, a “brilliant forensic entomologist who uses her skills analysing insects at crime scenes to solve a series of murders".

The first book in the series, Venom in the Blood will be released in July 2024, to be followed by two more titles in October 2024 and January 2025 respectively. Venom in the Blood, draws Vanessa back to her home town in the wake of a triple homicide where victims are found with spider silk sewn into their wounds. 

Previous books by Buchanan include The Atlas of Us, The Family Secret and No Turning Back (Avon).

Buchanan said: “The response from publishers to this series has been both thrilling and humbling. While there were offers from some great teams, the proposal from Embla Books particularly resonated with me. Cara’s immediate grasp of my vision after an overnight read, combined with the imprint’s impressive track record with bestselling authors, sealed the deal. I’m incredibly excited to partner with such a dynamic team, and look forward to working with them to bring a fresh and riveting new series into the world of crime fiction.”

Chimirri said: “I have been a huge fan of Tracy’s books for years and when this new series landed in my inbox I knew I had something exceptional. Forensics is endlessly fascinating and Dr Vanessa Marwood’s field of expertise marries some of the darkest and most macabre crimes with the beauty and delicacy of spider’s silk and the shimmer of an insect’s wings – a truly intoxicating combination! This is one of the most exciting and original procedural crime series I have ever read, and I can’t wait for readers to get to meet Vanessa and be totally gripped by each one of her investigations.”

Hardman added: “I was excited when Tracy said she was turning to crime... With an eye for the macabre, I knew her new series featuring a forensic entomologist was going to attract publishers’ attention. The enthusiasm of Cara and the team was palpable from the moment I sent them the pitch and I’m delighted Tracy’s found a new home with Embla.”