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Raven Books has scooped two books by historical mystery author Sally Smith KC, as well as The Getaway and a second thriller by psychological thriller author Nicola Martin.
Commissioning editor Therese Keating acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Anne-Marie Doulton at the Ampersand Agency for Smith’s debut novel, Body of Evidence, and a sequel. Doulton is handling US and Canadian rights while The Buckman Agency is handling translation rights on her behalf; German language rights have already been pre-empted by Goldmann.
Keating also acquired world rights to The Getaway, and a second thriller by Martin from Sandra Sawicka at Marjacq. To be published in autumn 2024, The Getaway follows Lola, whose colleague and mentor at an exclusive private Caribbean island resort is found murdered.
Body of Evidence, publishing summer 2024, introduces Edwardian barrister Gabriel Ward, who, the synopsis said, "turns reluctant sleuth when the body of the Lord Chief Justice of England is found on his doorstep in the Inner Temple". Keating commented: "Gabriel Ward is such an endearing character and we were fascinated by the unique Temple setting and the details of real-life cases Sally drew on for the story. From the very first chapter I knew this was a book I needed to publish."
Author Smith added: "Sir Gabriel Ward KC and his cloistered little world are both very dear to my heart and Raven, with its reputation for distinctive crime novels, seemed to me the perfect fit for the book. So I was delighted to learn they agreed with me and Sir Gabriel is to make his first appearance with them."
These are the first acquisitions made by Keating since she joined Raven Books as senior commissioning editor in December 2022. The acquisitions are in line with the imprint’s planned expansion within Bloomsbury’s new general division, now headed by Katy Follain.
Of The Getaway, Keating said: "Even more than the deliciously escapist setting, it was Lola’s voice I immediately fell for. Smart, cynical, deeply practical and with a well-honed, coping-mechanism sense of dark humour, no guest request is too ludicrous to faze her. I can’t wait for readers to meet her and am so happy to be bringing Nicola to the list."
Martin added: "I think The Getaway has found its perfect home at Raven Books, and I’m excited to share my novel with the world. It’s a dream come true to be working with such an accomplished and passionate team."