Bestseller Paul Finch moves to Thomas & Mercer with two new gripping thrillers

Amazon Publishing’s Thomas & Mercer imprint has acquired two books from acclaimed author, Paul Finch. DEATH LIST and an untitled second novel were acquired from Senior Agent Kate Burke at Blake Friedmann.

Publishing in June 2025, DEATH LIST is a pacy and incisive thriller about a support group which brings together an ensemble of disgraced police officers on an idyllic but remote Hebridean island. However, it isn’t long before they all realise they’ve been brought there to be murdered.

Paul Finch is an ex-policeman and journalist turned bestselling author. He has written for The Bill and has written extensively in the horror, fantasy, and historical epic genres, including Doctor Who.

He is best known for his crime and thriller novels, of which there are twelve to date. He has previously been published by HarperCollins and Orion.

Paul Finch said: 'What can I say? I'm back on the crime thriller trail, and absolutely delighted. We're getting the ball rolling again with two ideas I'm in love with. Both have been smouldering away in the back of my mind for quite some time, and I'm massively grateful to Thomas & Mercer for agreeing to run with them.'

Editor at Thomas & Mercer, Kasim Mohammed, said: ‘Paul is a dream author to work with, with his brilliant pacing, twisty plots, and evocative writing. It’s a real honour to bring an author with Paul’s history to the Thomas & Mercer list, and I can’t wait for people to lose themselves in these incisive, gripping thrillers.’

Kate Burke at Blake Friedmann said: 'I'm delighted with Paul's move to Amazon - he's a thriller writer at the top of his game and I'm really excited about this new chapter of an already illustrious career!'

Mouncif Faqir from Amazon Books Europe said: ‘Paul Finch is an exceptional addition to Thomas & Mercer’s list. We are thrilled to be bringing DEATH LIST and a future novel to Amazon Publishing and we cannot wait for readers to discover his captivating thrillers.’

About Paul Finch

Paul’s crime debut, STALKERS, was a No. 1 ebook best seller in 2013 and introduced DS Mark ‘Heck’ Heckenburg. This was followed in July 2013 by the sequel, SACRIFICE – the most pre-ordered book in HarperCollins history.

In 2016 Paul introduced readers to DC Lucy Clayburn. STRANGERS, the first novel in the series, was an immediate success, reaching the top ten in the Sunday Times Bestseller list.

Paul’s first historical novel, USURPER, was published by Canelo in April 2023 and the next book, BATTLE LORD, followed in January 2024.

He lives in Lancashire, UK, with his wife Cathy and their two four legged companions, Buck and Buddy.

Praise for Paul Finch

‘Wonderfully dark…Finch is a born storyteller.’ – Peter James

‘Edge-of-the-seat reading… Heck is formidable – a British Alex Cross.’ – The Sun

‘Big star…part edge-of-the-seat, part hide-behind-the-sofa!’ – The Bookseller

‘Consistently inventive. Consistently excellent. Paul Finch writes distinctive dialogue-driven horror that truly grips. Satisfying stories, tautly written with a real sense of authority.’ – Simon Clark

‘Paul Finch is an exciting new voice in the realms of macabre fiction. He sketches out a disturbing landscape, filled with deep shadows and uneasy emotions where stories both traditional and modern are played out to chilling effect. Highly recommended.’ – Mark Chadbourn

‘Finch places considerable stock in atmosphere, and builds fear and unease well with a judicious balance between what is seen, unseen and merely hinted at.’ – Brian Hodge

 

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