Piccadilly Press scoops ‘contemporary’ middle-grade mystery from Niyla Farook

Piccadilly Press has bagged A Tariq Twins Mystery: Murder for Two in a two-book deal with Niyla Farook. 

Ruth Bennett, editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth English language rights from Gemma Cooper at The Bent Agency. The first book in the deal will be published in January 2025. 

The first book, Murder for Two, “offers a fresh and contemporary take on the middle-grade murder mystery genre”. It follows twins Ani and Riri, who were separated when they were six months old. While Ani dreams of becoming a detective, Riri prefers books to people, yet the pair are forced to work together one summer when their dad is arrested as a murder suspect. 

Farook said: “Murder for Two is the book I wanted to read long after lights out when I was younger – a murder mystery set in West Yorkshire with a Desi family and plenty of humour. It came about quickly once I allowed myself to write without any rules... I can’t wait for readers of all backgrounds and ages to join Ani and Riri with solving the murder!” 

Bennett added: “Niyla has such a fresh and contemporary voice – in Ani and Riri she has created two unforgettable characters, who I have absolutely loved spending time with. Through them, the classic murder-mystery story is brought right into the present day, and I know that young readers will love to see these two bright and funny girls taking charge of the investigation.”