Joffe Books signs three-book deal with Barton for debut series

Joffe Books has acquired three books in screenwriter Jon Barton’s debut crime series, which will follow Metropolitan Police diver David Cade, as he uncovers deadly secrets lurking under the surface. 

Commissioning editor Emma Grundy Haigh acquired world English and audiobook rights from Justin Nash at Kate Nash Literary Agency. The first book, with the working title Dive, will be published in early 2022. 

Grundy Haigh said: "I leaped on Jon’s debut as soon as it came in. Being a screenwriter, he has an in-built filmic quality that’s just irresistible. I love the brilliant new perspective — the police diving squad who pull bodies out of the river. And doing so, Jon’s turned the Thames into one of the novel’s most intriguing characters. Between a cast of impeccably strong characters and Jon’s cinematic narrative style, this is definitely a page-turner. I’m delighted to be working with him on this thrilling debut."

Barton commented: "I’m thrilled to be working with Emma and the team at Joffe Books. They are passionate champions of crime fiction; their insight is going to prove invaluable in introducing the murky world of police diving to readers."