Faber scoops Vassell's 'vital' crime debut

Faber has acquired a series from debut author Charlotte Vassell, described as a "vivacious new voice in crime".

Commissioning editor Libby Marshall acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to both titles from Jon Wood at RCW. The Other Half, the first of two titles, will be published in January 2023. 

"The Other Half is a deliciously entertaining mystery that channels the best of classic whodunit ingenuity through a thoroughly modern cast of characters that readers are guaranteed to love and loathe," the synopsis explains. 

"Detective Caius Beauchamp – a charming hero with an Empire-sized chip on his shoulder – is tasked with solving the murder of London socialite/social media influencer Clemency O’Hara. The investigation takes him deep into the underbelly of London’s Millennial elite, with plenty of surprising twists and turns along the way."

Marshall said: "I’m so in awe of the energy, wit and pure intelligence behind this brilliant series. Charlotte Vassell is a vital, vivacious new voice in crime, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be publishing her debut at Faber."

Vassell studied history at the University of Liverpool and completed a Masters in art history at the School of Oriental and African Studies, before training as an actor at Drama Studio London. Alongside her acting, she has also worked in advertising, as a headhunter, and as a purveyor of silk top hats.

"I’m utterly delighted to be working with Libby and the fantastic team at Faber," she said.