One More Chapter signs 11-book deal with 'powerhouse' Wood

One More Chapter has signed an 11-book deal with Michael Wood, author of the DCI Matilda Darke series. 

Senior commissioning editor Jennie Rothwell acquired world English language rights from Jamie Cowan at The Ampersand Agency. 

The 11-book deal includes four Matilda Darke novels and the launch of a new crime series featuring psychologist Dr Olivia Winter, publishing in spring 2024. 

"Michael Wood is that very rare creature: a crime writer who has, in DCI Matilda Darke, created a character at the core of a series whose readership is still growing after 10 books," said Cowan. "And Olivia Winter will appeal to an even wider audience; her job as a forensic psychologist gives Michael scope to write more adventurous thrillers, which I know his existing fans and new readers alike will happily devour."

The first book in the Winter series sees Winter brought in by the police to help identify a serial killer. "As Olivia becomes embroiled in the case," the publisher wrote, "it soon becomes clear that the murderer has his sights set on her and the darkness of her past is about to overshadow her present". 

Rothwell commented: "Michael is a powerhouse of a writer. This is an exciting time for Michael’s publishing as we release new standalone titles, as well as launching his new Dr Olivia Winter series in 2024. I can guarantee plenty more of Michael’s trusted and loved gruesome murders, complex characters and claustrophobic atmosphere. As a huge fan of forensics, I was immediately drawn to Dr Olivia Winter as a character and I know readers are going to become as intrigued by her as I am.” 

Wood added: “This is my biggest contract to date and marks a huge turning point in my writing career. I cannot thank Jennie Rothwell and the team enough for having faith and belief in my work and my agent, Jamie Cowen at The Ampersand Agency for being by my side on this journey."