Two crime thriller series to HQ

HQ has acquired two crime thriller series by Roz Watkins and Lisa Hall.

The publisher acquired a three book detective series by Watkins, which will launch with The Devil’s Dice in August 2018, and two "gripping" psychological suspense novels by Hall, the first to be published in September 2017.

World all language rights to The Devil’s Dice were brought by HQ senior commissioning editor, Sally Williamson, in a three book deal from Diana Beaumont at United Talent.

TV rights to the project have already been acquired by ITV Studios, and German rights for two books were bought in a six-figure pre-empt by Fischer.

The Devil’s Dice follows thirtysomething Detective Inspector Meg Dalton who is determined to prove herself in the Derbyshire police force. The novel has already been longlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger award, and will be published on 18th August 2018 in hardback, e-book and audiobook.

Williamson said: “I have been looking for a new police procedural series for absolutely ages, but nothing has excited me this much before! Roz has created the most brilliant new character in Meg Dalton and I know this series will be read for years to come.”

Watkins said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to be working with Sally and the team at HQ. I couldn't have dreamed of a better home for The Devil's Dice.”

All World language rights for two titles from Hall, the author of Between You and Me (Carina), were bought by HQ editor Victoria Oundjian from Lisa Moylett at CMM Agency.

The description of first book in the deal with Hall reads: "When a stranger posts a picture on social media looking for his missing wife and child your heart goes out to him. You click on the link, except it is your wife and daughter in the picture, but didn’t you just see them? And what happens when they don’t come home?"

Hall said: "I am absolutely thrilled to have been offered a two book deal with HQ. I'm looking forward to working with Victoria and the rest of the HQ team, and am already hard at work writing book three and plotting book four."

Oundjian said: “I am so excited to continue working with Lisa on two more thrilling and addictive psychological suspense novels. With twists and turns, Lisa Hall finds a way to make even the most innocent act seem sinister and leaves readers guessing until the final pages.”

The book will be published in September in paperback original, e-book and audiobook.