W F Howes snaps up audio rights to McDermid's latest Karen Pirie titles

W F Howes has acquired the audio rights for two new Karen Pirie titles from Scottish crime writer Val McDermid. 

UK and British Commonwealth unabridged audio rights were acquired from Lizzy Kremer and Maddalena Cavacuiti at David Higham Associates by acquisitions manager Laura Smith. 

The deal will see McDermid team up with her long-time audiobook publisher for the 2023 release of Past Lying, book seven in the popular crime series, as well as the untitled eighth novel in the future. 

Lauren Lyle, the Scottish actor who plays Karen Pirie herself in ITV’s adaptation—and also stars in "Outlander" and BBC drama "Vigil"—has been cast to perform the first of the forthcoming audiobooks. 

McDermid said: "I’m delighted that Lauren Lyle will be voicing the new Karen Pirie, Past Lying. She’s already established herself as the personification of the character I wrote onto the page, and I can’t wait to hear her perform the book.”  

Smith added: “There is a reason why Val is among the best crime writers this country has ever produced and our bestselling and most popular author. She is a powerhouse who combines natural writing flair and talent with hard work and dedication—and the success of her books are a testament to that. We are honoured to continue as the audiobook publisher for this thrilling series.”