Orion Fiction launches new writers’ room project with Arlidge

The Orion Publishing Group is launching a new writers’ room project led by screenwriter and author M J Arlidge, working in collaboration with five authors in the crime, mystery and thriller space.

In a deal struck by Hellie Ogden at WME, Sam Eades, publisher at Orion Fiction, and Leodora Darlington, publishing director at Orion Fiction, acquired world rights to five new standalone novels from Arlidge, writing with Steph Broadribb, Alex Khan, Julia Crouch, Lisa Hall and Andy Maslen. The ideas for the novels have been conceived by Arlidge but “brought to life” by the five co-authors, the publisher says.

The series launches in May 2024, in paperback, e-book and audiobook with The Reunion by Arlidge and Steph Broadribb.

The publisher says: “From a snatched family to blackmailers weaponising AI, and former friends protecting old secrets, each fresh, unique hook springs directly from Arlidge’s imagination and is guaranteed to have readers binging the story in one sitting like the best boxsets. Developed in a writing room with M J Arlidge at the Orion offices, each new book also showcases the writers’ creativity and individual flair.”

Arlidge has worked in television for the past 20 years, specialising in high-end drama production, including prime-time crime serials “Silent Witness”, “Torn”, “The Little House” and, most recently, the ITV show “Innocent”. His audiobook exclusive Six Degrees of Assassination came out in 2015. His debut thriller, Eeny Meeny, was published by Penguin. It has been followed by 10 more DI Helen Grace thrillers.

Arlidge said: “I’m happy to be working with the sharpest criminal minds in the business on this bold new venture. From serial killers to domestic suspense to high concept heists, there is something for everyone in this deliciously dark new series of novels.”

Broadribb says: “I’ve long been a big fan of Matt’s writing and I am excited to have teamed up with him and fantastic editor Leodora Darlington on The Reunion. Co-writing with Matt has been a really fun experience and I can’t wait for readers to see the book.”