Viking scoops the first adult novel by Costa-shortlisted children’s author Ross Montgomery

Viking has acquired The Murder at World’s End, the first adult novel from Ross Montgomery, Costa shortlisted children’s author of I Am Rebel (Walker Books). It will be a "major launch" for Viking in 2025 and the first in the Stockingham & Pike series.

Rosa Schierenberg won UK and Commonwealth rights to two books in a six-way auction handled by Claire Wilson at RCW. North American rights were also sold in a six-way auction to Laura Schreiber at Harper Collins. German rights were sold for six figures in a seven-way auction while Italian and Spanish rights were both acquired in significant pre-empts, with multiple offers incoming from further territories, and screen rights conversations are ongoing.

The Murder at World’s End will be published in hardback, e-book and audiobook in October 2025.

The synopsis says: "‘The Viscount of Tithe Hall has been absorbed in feverish preparations for the apocalypse that he believes will accompany that night’s passing of Halley’s Comet. The Hall is to be sealed from top to bottom—every window and chimney closed off before darkness falls. But what he has failed to consider is the danger that lies within.

"By morning, he will be dead in his sealed study, murdered by his own ancestral crossbow.

"All eyes turn to the new under-butler, Steven Pike. Wrong man, wrong place, wrong time, he must find the true murderer before he’s framed for the crime—and what’s more, do so alongside the anarchic and foul-mouthed Great Aunt Decima, ready to delight in every moment of the puzzle."

Schierenberg said: "The Murder at World’s End is a gleeful adventure into a world that feels simultaneously familiar and wonderfully unique, with protagonists you begin to wonder how you ever lived without. Ross has taken national treasures like ‘Gosford Park’ and Sherlock & Watson, and shaken them up with the inventiveness of Stuart Turton, the wicked humour of ‘Knives Out’ and the cunning plot of the very best game of Cluedo. It is an utter joy from start to finish and the perfect way to launch the Stockingham & Pike series."

Montgomery added: "I’ve been absolutely amazed by the reception that The Murder at World’s End has received so far, and I’m thrilled to be publishing it with Viking. I was blown away by the passion and expertise of the whole team and honestly can’t think of a better home for Stockingham & Pike. I’m looking forward to planning a series of horrible and impossible murders with them over the coming years!"

Wilson commented: "Ross is an immense talent and a true original—an author who combines heart and humour with ferocious intelligence, and a storyteller like no other. I am thrilled to see the excitement around this irresistible book spreading worldwide, and delighted Ross is beginning this new journey with the Viking team."