Transworld signs debut Scottish police procedural series

Transworld has signed a "tense and compelling" Scottish police procedural series by debut author Deborah Masson.

Editor Tash Barsby acquired UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada in a two-book deal from Oli Munson at A M Heath. Transworld will publish in paperback original in early 2020, with book two to follow a year later. German rights were pre-empted by Heyne/Diana.

The first novel in the series, Hold Your Tongue, follows Detective Eve Hunter on her return to work after a period of enforced leave. On her first day back, she is called to a hotel room where a young woman has been found brutally murdered, her tongue removed. When more bodies are found in similar circumstances across Aberdeen, Hunter must find a way to work with a team who have lost their respect for her if she is to stop a depraved serial killer.

Barsby said: "I knew from the first few pages of Hold Your Tongue that Deborah is a very special talent – I can hardly believe this is a debut. With her brilliant plotting and cinematic style, Deborah has written a dark, smart and compulsive novel with characters who have taken up permanent residence in my head. I couldn’t be more excited to introduce readers to DI Eve Hunter and her team."

Masson said: "I’m thrilled to be joining Tash and the Transworld team. The whole process to date has been so exciting and I’m delighted to be sharing Hold Your Tongue with readers."