Joffe Books signs latest Sophie Allen mystery from Michael Hambling

Joffe Books has signed Heartless Crimes, the new Sophie Allen mystery from Michael Hambling.

Publishing director Kate Lyall Grant acquired world rights directly from the author for publication in December 2024.

The novel follows Detective Barry Marsh, whose boss and mentor Sophie Allen is in hospital, when a bodies begin turning up around the small Dorest town of Lyme Regis.

Lyall Grant said: “This latest Sophie Allen mystery, which takes place in beautiful Lyme Regis on the Dorset coast, is something a little different as Sophie herself is in hospital as the novel opens, recovering from injuries sustained during her previous case.”

Hambling added: “It’s reassuring that the next Sophie Allen novel, Heartless Crimes, is to be published by such a dedicated team of professionals. This latest story sees the detective team investigating intimidation and murder at an ecological development company, not usually considered to be an area of work where employees should fear for their lives.”