HarperNorth clinches 1950s Hollywood puzzle-novel

HarperCollins has bought Murder in Tinseltown: A Hollywood Era Choose-Your-Own-Story Mystery by Max Nightingale.

The book is described as “a richly layered puzzle-meets-fiction brimming with the glitz and glamour of 1950s Hollywood”.

Ben McConnell, commissioning editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Matthew Cole at Northbank Talent Management. The book will be published in hardback, e-book and audiobook this November.

HarperNorth said the “captivating interactive novel” is written “by the mysterious and pseudonymous Max Nightingale”.

HarperNorth said: “Set in the dazzling world of 1950s Hollywood, Murder in Tinseltown plunges readers into the glamorous yet perilous Royale Premiere Hotel on the eve of the year’s biggest awards show. When leading actress Blanche Aikerman is found murdered, readers are invited to step into the shoes of an LAPD homicide detective, navigating through a web of suspects and clues to uncover the truth. Hidden in the clever plot are clues and hints to help the reader decide which devious path to follow next as they close in on the right suspect.”

McConnell said: “Murder in Tinseltown is a richly layered puzzle-meets-fiction book that’s the perfect Christmas buy for fans of true crime and Murdle aficionados. Tinseltown is brimming with the glitz and glamour of 1950s Hollywood. I can’t wait for other readers to be as stumped as I was – expect to make a few missteps on your journey to uncovering the real killer.”

Nightingale added: “Adventure and puzzle books have always been a favourite of mine and to get the chance to immerse readers as the cops chasing the killer is something I’m relishing. I’ve been shown nothing but excitement, enthusiasm and wonderful faith by Ben and the whole HarperNorth team and I’m proud to be part of their roster of talented and award-winning authors.”