HarperNorth strikes deal for Whitelaw's Bingo Hall Detectives

HarperNorth has struck a deal for The Bingo Hall Detectives by Jonathan Whitelaw, an “irresistible slice of murder and mystery” set against the backdrop of the Lake District.

Genevieve Pegg, publishing director, acquired world all-language rights from Hannah Weatherill at Northbank Talent Management. The Bingo Hall Detectives will publish in paperback, audio and e-book next April.

Scottish writer and journalist Whitelaw has previously published his Hellcorp and Parker Sisters series with Red Dog Press while his reviews and journalism have featured across the national press.

The Bingo Hall Detectives tells the story of a suspicious death near Ullswater. The blurb explains: “When the police don’t see anything untoward, it falls to the members of the Penrith Bingo Club to investigate. Dismissed by many as eccentric, over the hill or out of touch, it turns out that it’s unlucky for some that these amateur sleuths are on the case…”

Whitelaw said: “I am absolute thrilled to be joining the HarperNorth stable. It’s really brilliant to see a focus on northern writers and fiction in general. There are so many brilliant stories from this part of the country, I’m honoured to be a part of what is the start of something really special. And speaking of special, there are two very special amateur sleuths that I can’t wait to introduce the world to.

“Jason and his mother-in-law are hot on the trail of a killer on the loose in the Lake District. And you’ll just have to see if they catch the crook before they kill each other. I promise that the mother-in-law jokes are kept to a minimum.”

Pegg added: “I’ve always loved novels with a puzzle at their heart – but they only truly come to life when they’re built around characters that feel utterly real. Jonathan’s story stood out from its opening lines – surprising, engaging and darkly delightful. With Jonathan’s amazing reputation as a writer, reviewer and interviewer, his crime knowledge is second to none. The game’s afoot…”

Weatherill added: “The Bingo Hall Detectives is a hilarious cosy crime novel with an eccentric gaggle of detectives and a brilliant mother and son-in-law team at its heart. We’re thrilled it’s found a home at HarperNorth.”