HarperFiction has pre-empted two novels in a new murder mystery series from journalist and television and radio presenter Jeremy Vine.
Publishing director Martha Ashby acquired world all language rights from Kerr MacRae at Kerr MacRae LPA. Murder on Line One, the first book in the deal, will be published in April 2025.
“Jeremy has written a brilliant mystery story, set in a place he knows well and with character and themes he totally nails,” said MacRae.
The synopsis reads: “After a devastating tragedy, late-night radio talk-show host Edward Temmis has been on grief leave from his show. But when a stunt to reinstate him goes awry, he’s summarily fired. All looks bleak until he meets Stevie, a young woman whose grandmother was a devoted listener, but died in suspicious circumstances in a house fire last year. As Edward digs deeper, it seems she wasn’t the only one of his listeners to be targeted. But who is pursuing his listeners and why? And can Edward get to the bottom of it all before it’s too late?”
Ashby commented: “Jeremy’s book has it all – a clever, funny, characterful murder mystery with a great sense of humour and remarkable emotional depth. Drawn from his extensive knowledge of local and national radio, and with a hugely authentic voice, Jeremy takes us on a journey into darkness, secrets, passion and crime with humour and a light touch.”
Vine added: “I am delighted to be joining HarperCollins to tell my stories of murder and intrigue in deepest Devon. Delighted because they are superb professionals who understand the fiction market – and what makes a great crime novel. I just hope my hero, the constantly-under-the-threat-of-being-sacked-from-his-radio-station Edward Temmis, would have passed muster with my other hero, Agatha Christie. She has inspired me since I first read her at 11; I don’t know why I waited 47 years to dive into the world she created in my mind.”