French debut thriller Block 46 to Orenda

Orenda Books has signed Block 46, the debut thriller from Johana Gustawsson.

Karen Sullivan, publisher of Orenda Books, acquired world English language rights for Johana Gustawsson’s debut crime thriller Block 46, in a two-book deal negotiated with Yolande Rochat de la Vallée at Éditions Bragelonne in Paris.

Sullivan said: "Block 46 is an exceptional debut – a gritty yet nuanced thriller that swings between London and Sweden, before picking up a second narrative strand that takes place in a concentration camp in 1944 Germany. An unforgettable triumvirate of protagonists include Emily, a British profiler, Alexis, a French true crime writer, and maverick inspector Bergstrom in Sweden and they work together to solve a series of murders that appear to be the work of a serial killer. Beautifully written, with a sweeping narrative, evocative settings and a heart-thumping pace, this marks the beginning of a fabulous series and writing career for Johana, and ticks every box on the growing Orenda list."

Rochat said: "We are excessively happy with this outcome, as it is quite rare these days to find a UK publisher with enough audacity to translate a debut French novel in genre fiction. Orenda Books' list is the perfect fit, and Johana deserves it as much as English readers do."

Gustawsson said: "I am very proud and excited that Orenda Books will publish Block 46 in the UK, my adopted country, and other English speaking countries. I know that with Karen Sullivan’s energy, dedication and passion, Block 46 will travel the world. My characters and I have already packed our bags."

Block 46 is translated by Maxim Jakubowski and will be published in Spring 2017.