Verve snaps up two books in a historical mystery series by Moss

Verve Books has snapped up two books in a historical mystery series from author, human rights activist and former model Tara Moss.

Editorial director Jenna Gordon acquired English language and audiobook rights throughout the UK and Commonwealth (excluding Canada, Australia and New Zealand) in The War Widow and The Ghosts of Paris from Vanessa Kerr at Aevitas Creative Management UK. The two books are the first in the Billie Walker series, which Netflix is currently in talks to adapt for television.

Verve will publish The War Widow in March and The Ghosts of Paris, the second Billie Walker Mystery, in November 2024. Moreover, W F Howes will publish the audio editions of both novels.

The series follows private investigator and former war reporter Billie Walker and disabled war vet Samuel Baker, who is Walker’s assistant. The synopsis says: "Though set over 70 years ago, the series tackles topical issues including prejudice, sexism, grief, sexual assault and human trafficking." 

Moss is the author of multiple books of fiction and non-fiction, which have been published in 19 countries and 13 languages. She said: "I am delighted to introduce UK readers to Billie Walker and I hope they will find her fierce independence, her spirit, bravery and passion for justice as inspiring as I do."

Gordon added: "I and the rest of the Verve team are overjoyed to be publishing Tara’s forthright and fearless protagonist Billie Walker in the UK for the first time. The series is sure to win fans of feminist historical crime fiction, and Moss, with her wide-ranging and impressive background, possesses a uniquely interesting voice and perspective."