Neem Tree Press scoops historical crime fiction by writer and director Mario Theodorou

Neem Tree Press has acquired Felix Grey and the Descendant, the first book in a Victorian crime caper series by writer and director Mario Theodorou.

C.e.o. and publisher Archna Sharma bought world all-language rights, excluding dramatisation, from the author directly, and the book will be published in paperback and e-book in February 2025 in the UK and Europe, and in April 2025 in the US and the rest of the world.

"1904, three years after Queen Victoria’s passing and Edward VII’s ascension to the throne, the British economy is faltering, Captain Scott has gone to the South Pole and Felix Grey has been parachuted into Number 10 on the crest of a populist wave," the synopsis says. "Amid staunch opposition in the Commons, Felix, the second youngest PM in history, grapples with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt until a Lord is mysteriously abducted from a London club, reigniting his sense of purpose."

The synopsis adds: "Neglecting his duties to follow the trail, Felix forms and unlikely alliance with a bumbling Oxford professor and a printer’s apprentice, leading them through the murky world of politics and London’s notorious landmarks, uncovering a plot to sow chaos before the state opening of Parliament. With more peers vanishing and a spate of factory disasters fuelling public discontent, Felix must navigate a web of treachery and danger if he is to crack the case, protect the country and preserve his role as prime minister."

Theodorou is known for his work in drama and comedy, and has been recognised by the BBC’s Hotlist, as well as being selected for the BBC Drama Room in 2018 and the BBC Drama Writer’s Programme in 2019. His short films have won numerous awards internationally, with selections and nominations from Oscar and Bafta qualifying festivals.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be partnering with Neem Tree to bring the knotty and colourful world of Felix Grey to life. It’s been a joyful labour of love developing this series over many years and I can’t wait for the first book to come out.”

Sharma added: “Mario is a natural storyteller, and we are proud to champion his debut fiction. His impressive background in film, TV and radio brings so much potential beyond the book, and we’re incredibly excited to work together to bring it to life.”