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Puffin wins Robin Stevens’ Most Unladylike Puzzle Book
Puffin has acquired The Detective Society Presents: The Most Unladylike Puzzle Book by bestselling children’s crime author Robin Stevens. This comes alongside plans to reissue her debut novel 10 years on with celebratory bonus content and an updated package.
Puffin editor India Chambers bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Gemma Cooper at The Bent Agency. The Most Unladylike Puzzle Book will be published in September 2024.
“Presented in an accessible flip format, and full of fiendish puzzles, readers will join the detectives from Robin’s bestselling Murder Most Unladylike and Ministry of Unladylike Activity series as they share their top tips for mystery-solving and code-cracking,” Puffin said.
“The puzzle book market has seen growth across adult and children’s categories in recent years, and pairing this reader demand with the characters and plotting of the undisputed queen of middle-grade crime means that this brilliantly brain-stretching book will not only be an essential addition to fans’ shelves but a delight for puzzle lovers aged eight and over everywhere.”
This year also sees the 10-year anniversary year of Stevens’ debut Murder Most Unladylike, for which the author and Puffin will embark on a month-long celebration in June. “Starring iconic schoolgirl detective duo Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong.. the series would go on to define the children’s murder mystery genre,” the publisher said. The series has now been translated into 20 languages, with the anniversary edition featuring a new introduction from Stevens, a bonus short story and a character-silhouette stencilled edge.
As part of the celebrations, Stevens will embark on a 10-event tour, including an appearance at Hay Festival, signings, theatre and school events. In partnership with Rossiter’s, a special fan event hosted at Cheltenham Ladies College (the inspiration for the setting of the first book, Deepdean School) during Independent Bookshop Week in mid-June will see guests enjoying a range of activities and the chance to meet Robin.
Puffin will also celebrate with industry champions at an interactive murder mystery dinner party, offer celebratory POS packs including birthday-themed bunting and treasure hunt puzzle activities, and work with 20 bookshops to create window displays to mark the anniversary.
In the autumn, The Most Unladylike Puzzle Book will be supported with an extensive schools and family event author tour.
Commenting on the anniversary year, Stevens said, “I’m so proud to be celebrating 10 years of Murder Most Unladylike with Puffin. It feels incredible to know that my books have reached so many people, and I have loved watching my world and characters take on new life in the imaginations of my fans. I can’t wait to throw a 10th birthday party worthy of Hazel and Daisy – and everyone is invited.”
Chambers commented: “We are incredibly proud to publish Robin. For 10 years, readers have been falling in love with the world Robin has created. She is so skilled at crafting twists and turns that keep you guessing until the final minute. Her books are addictive, sensitive, funny, and full of characters you never want to part with. Her puzzle book is the perfect gift for budding detectives everywhere – their chance to learn from the best.”
