Rob Rinder’s debut thriller series pre-empted by Century

Century has scooped criminal barrister and broadcaster Rob Rinder’s "twisty, impossible-to-put down" debut thriller series, and has secured two books in a pre-empt.

Emily Griffin, Century fiction publishing director, pre-empted world rights to The Judge plus a second title in the series from Anna Dixon and Amanda Harris at YMU.

The Judge introduces Adam Green, who has lived his life feeling like a misfit and is accepted for a scholarship as a trainee barrister at chambers in London. "Peppered with Rob Rinder’s razor-sharp wit, each novel has at its core a hair-raising case inspired by Rob’s own experiences, whilst also exploring the hypocrisy-filled world of the bar and bringing to life the comradery between Adam and his fellow trainees and colleagues," the synopsis states.

Rinder is a barrister turned writer and broadcaster. In 2014, while still practising, he began starring in his reality court show "Judge Rinder", and now uses his legal knowledge working in the media to make the law more accessible. He is also the author of two books and is a columnist for the Sun and Evening Standard newspapers. His participation in "Who Do You Think You Are?" retraced the story of his Holocaust survivor grandfather and received a Bafta. The BBC series he presented “The Holocaust, My Family & Me” was aired to critical acclaim. In 2020, he was awarded an MBE for his services to Holocaust education and an honorary doctorate for his legal work.

"It’s said that everyone has a book in them," he said. "After two decades at the Bar, in journalism, and in television, I have got substantially more than one! I have finally found a character and story I passionately want to share with readers – the beginning of a series that draws on themes and personalities that I have known and loved."

"The Century team are beyond thrilled to be working on this new series with Rob, which marks an exciting new chapter in his career," Griffin said. "As well as delivering a twisty, impossible-to-put-down reading experience, The Judge introduces a host of unforgettable characters who quickly feel like family. This is perfect for fans of John Grisham and Steve Cavanagh as well as those who love crime writing that has strong community with plenty of heart and humour at its core. Our ambitions for Rob’s fiction debut are sky high and we can’t wait to put our plans into place."

The Judge will publish in hardback, trade paperback, e-book and audio in summer 2023, with the paperback following in 2024.