One More Chapter nets three cosy crimes from Leitch

HarperCollins' digital-first imprint One More Chapter has netted three titles in a Cornwall-set cosy crime series by author Fiona Leitch.

Commissioning editor Hannah Todd negotiated a deal for world all language rights with Lina Langlee when she was at the Kate Nash Literary Agency. The first book, Murder on the Menu, will be published as an e-book in January 2021, with books two and three following in February and March respectively.

The series follows retired police officer turned baker Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker as she returns to her hometown in rural Cornwall. The publisher said: “Little does Jodie realise that life is far from quiet in the small English village and that murder and mayhem wait around every corner. Jodie finds herself tangled up in mysteries of missing brides, murdered fete judges and skeletons at garden parties, but surely saving the day will be a piece of cake for this not-so-amateur sleuth?”

Todd said: “On starting Fiona’s first book, I was instantly grabbed by Fiona’s incredible voice and the sense of humour that shines through in the writing. The series promises outrageous fun, puzzling mysteries and of course, some food-related puns. We’ve been on the lookout for new cosy crime which we know is an area growing steadily in popularity and we’re looking forward to publishing the first three in the series in quick succession at the start of 2021.”

Leitch added: “I'm so excited to be working with Hannah and One More Chapter on my new cosy mystery series and honoured to be sharing an editor with some of my favourite authors! I love Cornwall and I hope to do it justice in my books.”