Viper snares two novels by debut author Jensen

Viper has acquired two novels, Helle and Death and a sequel, by debut author and academic Oskar Jensen.

Publishing director Miranda Jewess acquired world English language rights plus audio from Joanna Swainson at Hardman & Swainson. Helle and Death will be published in hardback in January 2024 as Viper’s lead crime debut for the year.

The synopsis says: "Helle and Death introduces readers to amateur sleuth Torben Helle – art historian, Danish ex-pat and owner of several excellent Scandinavian jumpers – who finds himself dragged to a remote snowbound Northumbrian mansion for a 10-year reunion with old university friends.

"At the dinner table their host, a reclusive and irritating tech entrepreneur, makes some shocking revelations. And when these are followed by an apparent suicide, the group faces a test of their wits… and their trust."

Jewess said: “Oskar has crafted a wonderfully modern and meta spin on the classic country house mystery. With a knowing wink to Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers, it’s laugh-out-loud funny in places, but the characters also have a real depth and pathos. Oskar is a bright new talent in crime fiction, and I know that readers are going to love Torben Helle."

Jensen added: “I am thrilled to be entering this nest of vipers! The other authors have been ridiculously fun and friendly for a group of such successful writers, and as for Miranda Jewess, editor of editors, words fail me... My agent Joanna has found the perfect match for my work: we’ve clicked on every level, from big concept to obscure reference points, and I am so very, very happy to be part of an imprint that seems bent on collecting more daggers than Julius Caesar’s back.”