Penguin Michael Joseph pre-empts Hazell Ward's 'masterful' debut novel

Penguin Michael Joseph (PMJ) has pre-empted The Game Is Murder, an "immersive" and "highly original" murder mystery from Hazell Ward.

Publishing director Maxine Hitchcock and commissioning editor Grace Long acquired world rights from Sarah Such at the Sarah Such Literary Agency. World French rights were pre-empted by Marie Misandeau at Sonatine. PMJ will publish in summer 2025 with a "major" communications campaign and bookseller outreach.

"As soon as read The Game Is Murder, I knew that her unique metafictional true crime whodunnit was exceptional and, from the moment we submitted to UK publishers, the interest was instant", said Such. "Maxine Hitchcock and Grace Long’s response at PMJ within hours of submission, Grace’s brilliant pitch in three acts, and PMJ team’s enthusiasm and appreciation of every aspect of Hazell’s extraordinary novel convinced us that Penguin Michael Joseph are the perfect publisher for her thrilling landmark debut."

Ward’s "masterful" debut is a metafictional take on the classic detective novel. The publisher added: "Over the course of three acts, Ward weaves a series of clues, puzzles, pieces of evidence and classic crime references to present an engaging, clever and distinctive crime novel that both celebrates and satirises the entire genre, while also inviting the reader to play their part in solving the ultimate murder mystery."

Ward commented: "The Game Is Murder is both a novel and a game that I play with my reader. I have always loved whodunnits, puzzles and parlour games and I combined these elements with a true crime narrative that lets the reader play along and solve a notorious murder."

Long added: "I’m thrilled to be launching Hazell’s knockout debut in 2025. The Game Is Murder is like nothing I’ve read before – with an original voice, an ingenious three-act structure and gripping storytelling, this novel is an experiential read that will challenge, surprise and delight crime and thriller aficionados.”

Lucy Beresford-Knox, head of translation at Penguin Random House, added: “The rights team immediately all fell for this fresh take on a whodunnit – it’s immersive, fun and brilliantly gripping, and we can’t wait to share it internationally."