Orion snares royal murder mystery by McGeorge

Orion Fiction has signed A Murder At Balmoral by Chris McGeorge, a murder mystery described as perfect for fans of "Knives Out" and The Windsor Knot (Zaffre).  

Francesca Pathak, publishing director, acquired world volume rights to the novel from Hannah Sheppard at D H H Literary Agency. A Murder At Balmoral will be published early 2023.  

The synopsis reads: “A Murder At Balmoral opens on Christmas Day at Balmoral Castle where the King is about to step down and recommend a successor. However as he rises to make his speech, he raises a glass of his favourite whiskey from a bottle that has just been unsealed. He takes a sip and drops dead. With it clear that only a family member could have committed the murder, it’s left to the King’s private chef to solve the crime before it’s too late.”  

Pathak commented: “Chris McGeorge is a master at a locked room mystery and combining that skill with a Christmas royal story, I knew we had something incredibly special on our hands. A mix of Janice Hallett and S J Bennett with a dash of ’Knives Out’ for good measure, I can’t wait for readers to experience A Murder At Balmoral."

McGeorge added: “Writing A Murder At Balmoral was an incredibly enjoyable experience. Recently, I have been fascinated with the British monarchy and being able to explore it whilst also paying homage to the golden age of crime was a perfect combination. Also I love a Christmas special!”