Little, Brown acquires Massey’s ‘deeply impressive and moving’ debut crime novel

All Us Sinners, the “deeply impressive and moving” debut crime novel by Katy Massey, has been acquired by Little, Brown.

Ed Wood, publishing director at Sphere, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from agent Jo Unwin, for publication early in 2024.

The novel is set in Leeds in 1977, a period when the author’s own single mother strived to make a living for her family in the city’s sex industry, while the Yorkshire Ripper terrorised its streets. The atmosphere of fear created by the serial killer is the backdrop for the fictional story of tough but tender brothel-keeper Maureen, who is unexpectedly drawn into investigating the killing of a friend’s son.

Wood said: “Katy is a strong, working-class northern voice whose insights into race, sex, the police, and how communities can form in the most unexpected places power this stunning, character-led upmarket crime novel. She and the story are true one-offs I’m proud to publish.”

Massey said: “I am thrilled that Ed saw something special in All Us Sinners. I wanted to tell a gripping story while imbuing my characters with the humour and warmth they deserve. I’m so lucky that Jo Unwin believed in me. Now that the novel will be published by Sphere, the leading crime imprint, I feel that it is in the safest of hands.”

Unwin added: "It’s always so satisfying when an editor ’gets’ what an author is doing and is fully committed to making them feel entirely supported. I couldn’t be more pleased that Ed and Katy have found each other, and I’m very excited by this excellent partnership.”