Quercus signs cosy crime series from Reverend Penny Stephens

Quercus has landed Reverend Penny Stephens’ new cosy crime series starring a vicar sleuth and her golden retriever.

Commissioning editor Florence Hare bought world English-language rights from Rebecca Carter at Rebecca Carter Literary. Till Death Us Do Part, the first book in the series and Stephens’ debut novel, will be published in summer 2025.

The novel opens with Reverend Clare Brakespear attending a wedding where one of the guests is fatally stabbed with a cake knife. The police believe they have found the right suspect with the means, motive and opportunity, but Brakespear is not convinced and sets out to find the real killer. 

Hare said: "Till Death Us Do Part is a cosy mystery with so much heart and I absolutely fell in love with Rev Clare from the very first chapter."

Stephens added: "I am delighted to sign with Quercus and to be working with Florence Hare on my debut. I’ve been an avid crime fiction fan for years and have thoroughly enjoyed writing about Rev Clare and her sleuthing exploits."