TV series PLAN B, adapted from Deon Meyer’s WIE MET VUUR SPEEL, now available on Showmax

Hollywood star Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan) returns to his Afrikaans roots with the crime caper Plan B. 

The story follows ex-military man Ivan Malan (Tim Theron from Heart of the Hunter) and his partner, Paul Schmidt (Vosloo), who plan to rob a gang boss and steal the Flame Maiden, a painting by master artist Vermeer, worth €30 million. 

Meanwhile, Ragel Bergh (Amalia Uys from Die Byl) is swindled out of her inheritance by slick conman Joshua Lansky (Armand Aucamp from Trompoppie and One Piece). When she meets Ivan and Paul, she discovers they all want the same thing…

Filmed in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, the five-part kykNET series is based on the novel Wie Met Vuur Speel by best-selling crime writer Deon Meyer, who was also executive producer on the show. SAFTA winners Jozua Malherbe (Griekwastad, Devil’s Peak) and Tertius Kapp (Gaia) write and direct respectively.

THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR paperback hits the Top 10 in Ireland and Top 20 in the UK

We’re delighted that the paperback edition of THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR by Sheila O’Flanagan is Number 6 in the Irish bestseller charts and Number 13 in the UK mass market paperback bestseller charts after the first full week on sale. Published by Headline on March 13th, the paperback success follows a Number 1 bestselling trade paperback edition which remained in the Irish Top 10 for fourteen weeks.

THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR is a compelling and thought-provoking story about two strong women, one complicated man, and the secrets and dreams that draw them together – with explosive consequences… 

Veronica Henry described it as ‘a glitzy, glamorous rollercoaster of a romance – hugely entertaining escapism and so satisfying. Sheila O’Flanagan at her sparkling best’, while in the Sunday Times Vicki Notaro called it ‘compelling in its intricacy’, adding that ‘the main characters, Izzy and Ariel, will get under your skin.’

Izzy is in the Caribbean on the honeymoon-that-isn’t after her fiancé broke her heart. She’s not looking for someone new. But when she meets Charles Miller, a successful writer holidaying alone, the electricity is undeniable. And what does she have to lose?

In Ireland, Charles’s ex-wife and agent Ariel flits from party to party, glamorous and poised. She’s in constant contact with Charles. They’re very close. Ariel wonders if they should get back together. She’s an independent woman, but she liked being part of a power couple. And she’s sure she only has to say, and they’ll pick up where they left off.

No matter how in control of life you think you are, it can shock and surprise you. As Izzy, Ariel and Charles are about to find out...

Last year, Sheila was shortlisted for the 2024 Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year Award at the An Post Irish Book Awards. She is currently writing her next novel.

Photo credit: Evan Doherty

 About Sheila O’Flanagan

Sheila O’Flanagan is an international bestselling novelist, with more than 9 million copies sold. Most of her novels have been immediate and long-lasting No 1s in Ireland, UK Top 10 Sunday Times Bestsellers and Kindle Bestsellers, and she is published in more than twenty languages around the world. She is the recipient of the prestigious Irish Tatler Literary Woman of the Year Award.

 Praise for THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR

An Irish Times ‘Fiction to look out for in 2024’ pick

A Belfast Telegraph ‘Here’s everything to get excited about in 2024’ pic

An i newspaper ‘Best new books to read in May 2024’ pick

An Irish Examiner ‘Summer reads: 20 great fiction books to bring on your holiday’ pick

‘I'm in the middle of this and it's scorchio!! Sheila O’Flanagan knocks it out of the sun lounger.’ – Veronica Henry

‘Once again, Sheila O'Flanagan delivers a riveting story, strong characters, great settings and a satisfying dose of romantic adventure, while managing all the while to fly the flag for independent women.’ – Roisin Meaney

‘What a fascinating book, set in the world of publishing. I loved it!’ – Sue Moorcroft

‘A brilliant story’ – Bella Magazine

‘O’Flanagan fans will be entranced.’ – Anne Cunningham, The Connaught Telegraph

‘This slow-burn from Sheila O’Flanagan follows heartbroken Izzy, on holiday in the Caribbean, independent Ariel and the man that connects and frustrates them both: Charles. Another satisfying contemporary novel from the author of THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL and THE MISSING WIFE.’ – My Weekly, ‘The Best New Books’

‘Fell in love with this book and characters’ – 5-star reader review

‘Another fabulous Sheila O’Flanagan book!’ – 5-star reader review

‘This book flowed really well and the characters were so relatable.’ – 5-star reader review

‘This lived up to my expectations!’ – 5-star reader review

‘Definitely didn’t want to put this book down’ – 5-star reader review

A SHEmazing ‘30 best small but mighty stocking stuffers for women’ pick

 Visit Sheila’s website.

Follow Sheila on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram.

PICTURE YOU DEAD play, based on the bestselling Peter James novel, continues to receive rave reviews

Following successful nationwide tours of the stage plays of THE PERFECT MURDER, THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL,  DEAD SIMPLE, NOT DEAD ENOUGH, LOOKING GOOD DEAD and WISH YOU WERE DEAD, the stage adaptation of PICTURE YOU DEAD continues its 2025 tour – complete with an all-star cast.

National Television Award winning actor Peter Ash (Coronation Street, Footballers’ Wives, War Horse) and Ore Oduba (Pretty Woman, The Rocky Horror Show) return to the stage, joined by Fiona Wade (Emmerdale, 2:22 A Ghost Story, Going Dutch) and West End favourite Jodie Steele (Bonnie & Clyde, Wicked, Heathers, Six). George Rainsford (Casualty, Call the Midwife and All’s Well That Ends Well) returns to reprise the role of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace who he played in the 2023 stage adaptation of WISH YOU WERE DEAD. The play is written by Shaun McKenna and directed by Jonathan O’Boyle. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.peterjames.com/plays/picture-you-dead-tour-dates/

The PICTURE YOU DEAD play has received rave reviews since its opening in February:

‘There is something thrilling about seeing a story set in Brighton on the stage in Brighton. Peter James’ detective mysteries featuring Roy Grace have become part of the fabric of how fans of the books and television series see Brighton, and it’s great to hear the references on stage to places we all know… The set is a glorious multi construction showing four different locations, all being so very distinct and different it is crystal clear at all times where the action is taking place. The attention to detail in each one is beautiful, leaving the Police offices where the discussions happen right at the front of the stage with no set: the effect is that of beckoning the audience in, giving us a private insight into the investigation and the current thinking of the Police, which is a lovely touch… If you are a fan of Peter James and Roy Grace, then this is absolutely for you.’ – Brighton Source

‘If you’ve seen any of the other Peter James pieces you’ll not be disappointed by this one. If you’ve never given them a try, go and see it – it’s a great introduction to the series. Suspenseful, energetic and surprisingly funny. The tension mounts to sweltering levels with superb direction from Jonathan O’Boyle. Did I figure out how it all unravels? Not a chance! But that is half the fun – you’ll be guessing until the end.’ – East Midlands Theatre

‘For those who love a murder mystery that keeps you guessing right to the last second this will be definitely right up your street!’ – Love London Love Culture

Hot off the heels of a hardback Number One, the paperback edition of THEY THOUGHT I WAS DEAD by Peter James flew straight to Number Three in the UK paperback bestsellers list after only 3 days on sale in November. This comes shortly after the twentieth instalment of the Roy Grace series, ONE OF US IS DEAD, hit Number Three in the hardback charts in October. It will be released in paperback on 10th April 2025. The 21st novel in the Roy Grace series will be published in October 2025.

Crime fans can also tune in to series four of GRACE on ITVX, starring John Simm and Richie Campbell. Recently announced, the much-loved tv series will return for series five in 2025, comprised of four feature-length episodes and will begin airing on ITV on 6th April.

Praise for Peter James’ plays

‘One of the best crime thrillers I’ve seen on stage… kill for a ticket!’ – Chichester Observer on DEAD SIMPLE

‘Gripping storytelling. Full of twists and turns.’ – The Reviews Hub on NOT DEAD ENOUGH

‘Will leave you breathless with suspense.’ – Whatsgoodtodo on THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL

‘A theatrical masterpiece.’ – Encore Reviews on LOOKING GOOD DEAD

‘This thrilling thriller had the audience on the edge of their seats.’ – Latest 7 on NOT DEAD ENOUGH

‘A great night in the theatre.’ – BritishTheatre.com on THE PERFECT MURDER

Praise for Peter James
‘If you have never read Peter James’ crime thriller series about the Sussex detective Roy Grace, I would highly recommend you give it a try.’ – Queen Camilla, Press and Journal

‘Peter James is one of the most fiendishly clever crime fiction plotters.’ – The Daily Mail

‘Roy Grace ... is fast becoming one of the more memorable coppers in modern crime fiction ... A first class police procedural.’ – The Times

‘James just gets better and better and deserves the success he has achieved with this first-class series.’ – Independent on Sunday

‘Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business’ – Karin Slaughter

‘Probably the closest we’ll get to a British Stephen King’ – The Financial Times

‘Peter James is one of the most fiendishly clever crime fiction plotters’ – The Daily Mail

‘In uncertain times, I always tend to fall back on old, familiar favourites, so I’ll be reading Peter James’ Roy Grace series. They are thrillers with enough drama to keep you guessing. Reading a well-crafted mystery gives me a sense of accomplishment – almost as if I’ve solved everything myself!’ – Emma Shacklock, Books Editor, Women & Home Magazine

‘Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business’ – Lee Child

‘A master plotter.’ – The Bookseller

‘James has been compared with Stephen King, but in many ways he's better’ – Daily Express

‘This compulsive horror story is a tale of the search for immortality . . . I cannot remember when I last read a novel I enjoyed so much’ – Sunday Telegraph

‘A thought-provoking menacer that’s completely technological and genuinely frightening about the power of future communications’ – Time Out

About Peter James
Peter James is the international bestselling author of many award-winning novels. Peter writes both thriller standalones and the hugely popular Brighton-set Roy Grace series. The opening episode of GRACE, based on the first Roy Grace novel, DEAD SIMPLE, was broadcast in March 2021 with John Simm starring in the lead role as the tenacious detective. It was a TV Pick of the Day across all the major UK newspapers, appeared on ITV 1’s prime Sunday night slot and viewing figures quickly reached more than 8.8 million, with glowing reviews.

Peter’s books have been translated into thirty-eight languages, with worldwide sales of over twenty-three million copies and his Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, set in Brighton, has given him 20 Sunday Times Number Ones. In 2015 WH Smith customers voted him the Greatest Crime Author of All Time and in 2016 he was awarded the coveted CWA Diamond Dagger, a lifetime achievement award for sustained excellence. In 2018 he received a Specsavers Honorary Platinum Bestseller Award and in 2024 he won four Silver Nielsen Bestseller Awards. Peter James has also written two books based on true crime stories, with former senior detective Graham Bartlett.

Peter took part in the launch podcast of the Queen’s Reading Room in January 2024, having had the Grace series featured on the Royal Reading Room previously. He appeared on the podcast again in June 2024, where he was named one of Her Majesty’s favourite crime writers and Roy Grace her favourite fictional detective!

 Visit Peter’s website.

 Like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Tomasz Jedrowski’s SWIMMING IN THE DARK reimagined as an opera in Key West, Florida

Tomasz Jedrowski’s ‘modern literary classic’ SWIMMING IN THE DARK is set to make its debut on the opera stage this week, with the premiere of the first act of an adaptation at a developmental staged concert in Key West, Florida on Friday 21 March. Written by composer Martin Hennessy and librettist Stephen Kitsakos, there will be two initial performances of the work-in-progress English-language opera from 21 to 22 March at The Studios of Key West, where they will be joined by Tomasz in person for the premiere.

The adaptation is a collaboration between composer Martin Hennessy, librettist Stephen Kitsakos, and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music Opera & Ballet Theater. Featuring 18 artists from Jacobs, and directed by Michael Shell, Resident Opera Stage Director at the Jacobs School, the 85-minute Act One will be performed in English by 12 singers and a chamber ensemble.

‘The story unfolds in 1980, as the communist Polish People’s Republic teeters on the edge of collapse,’ said librettist Stephen Kitsakos. “At its heart is a passionate love affair, but it’s also a gripping political thriller set in a country being torn apart by upheaval.’

Tickets for the performances are available from The Studios of Key West website.

First published by Bloomsbury in 2020, SWIMMING IN THE DARK has since become a worldwide sensation, embraced by both critics and new generations of fans on BookTok – including the pop singer Dua Lipa, who picked the book for her Service95 Book Club in May 2024. The novel was a finalist for the Polari First Book Prize in 2021, has so far been translated into eighteen languages, with film/TV, theatre and opera rights all under option for adaptation. It was published in the USA by William Morrow.

Poland, 1980. Shy, anxious Ludwik has been sent along with the rest of his university class to an agricultural camp. Here he meets Janusz – and together they spend a dreamlike summer falling in love.

But with summer over, the two are sent back to Warsaw. Confronted by the scrutiny, intolerance and corruption of life under the Party, Ludwik and Janusz must decide how they will survive; and in their different choices, find themselves torn apart.

Photo: Kuba Dabrowski

About Tomasz Jedrowski

Tomasz was born in West Germany to Polish parents and studied law at Cambridge. He lives in France, exploring local history, national identity, and ecology.

His debut novel SWIMMING IN THE DARK was published by Bloomsbury in the UK and William Morrow in the USA, and has been translated into eighteen languages. Film/TV rights and opera rights have been optioned. The novel was a finalist for the Polari First Book Prize (2021).

Praise for SWIMMING IN THE DARK

‘Marvellous, precise, poignant writing; the reader is happy to be overwhelmed. The highest talent at work.’ – Sebastian Barry

‘A lyrical exploration of the conflict between gay love and political conformity. Jedrowski is an authentic new international star.’ – Edmund White

‘Heartbreak – yes, I’m a romantic – is what we get from Tomasz Jedrowski’s exquisite debut novel, SWIMMING IN THE DARK. Set in 1980s Poland, this love story captivates and is so beautifully written I return to it again and again.’ – Guardian

‘Readers will relish the indelible prose, which approaches the mastery of Alan Hollinghurst. Jedrowski’s portrayal of Poland’s tumultuous political transformation over several decades makes this a provocative, eye-opening exploration of the costs of defying as well as complying with social and political conventions.’ – Publishers Weekly

‘A stupendous read: I could not put the book down. I urge you to order this book now. Its eloquence, its understanding of identity, belonging, loneliness and love is second to none. Powerful and uplifting.’ – Lord Michael Cashman, co-founder of Stonewall

Graeme Armstrong’s bestselling novel THE YOUNG TEAM to be adapted into BBC drama series

THE YOUNG TEAM, a six-part drama series based on Graeme Armstrong’s award-winning debut novel, has been commissioned by the BBC, with Graeme adapting for screen himself. Set and filmed in North Lanarkshire, where Graeme himself grew up, the series will air on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland and BBC One at a date to be confirmed.

In THE YOUNG TEAM, 15-year-old Azzy Williams and his pals roam the streets of Airdrie, bottles of Buckfast in hand and techno playing from tinny speakers. Azzy is ready: ready to smoke, pop pills, drink wine and fight. He longs to become fully initiated into local gang the Young Team Posse (YTP). But when Azzy, determined to prove himself, makes a bold move, a brutal gang conflict ensues with Azzy very firmly at its heart. THE YOUNG TEAM will follow Azzy on his journey from boyhood to manhood as he and his mates become postcode warriors in a toxic cycle that threatens to consume them. An unflinching look at the realities of addiction and gang violence, this ambitious series will tell a powerful, visceral story about the realities of life for young, disenfranchised people, and the fight for a different future.

The series will be made by BAFTA-winning independent producers Synchronicity Films (THE TATOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ, Sky Atlantic/Peacock/Stan; MAYFLIES, BBC One), who optioned the TV rights from Conrad Williams at Blake Friedmann. The executive producers are Claire Mundell for Synchronicity Films, Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland.

THE YOUNG TEAM has had a major impact, not only on readers, but whole communities since it was first published by Picador in 2020, and has been translated into Spanish and Italian. Graeme’s reputation as one of Britian’s most exciting voices has since been cemented by his inclusion on the Granta Best of Young British Novelists list in 2023, and his upcoming second novel RAVEHEART, set to be published by 4th Estate in Spring 2026.

Graeme has previously appeared on the BBC in two documentaries he presented for the broadcaster: SCOTLAND THE RAVE, which aired in 2021, and STREET GANGS, which followed in 2023.

‘I have been working on THE YOUNG TEAM project for 12 years At the beginning, I was only 21 and in the first days of my recovery from a decade of territorial gang violence, substance abuse and addiction. To say it’s been a labour of love is an understatement. Alongside creating a respectful representation of Scottish working class life and the trials of growing up amidst a ‘young team’ gang culture, entrenched for generations, the work on both page and screen has given me the opportunity to reach young people at risk, working in violence prevention to affect change in their lives.

This has been the privilege of my life but it comes with enormous responsibility, as does our task to capture this unique culture on film. The impact of storytelling like this changed my destiny and, ultimately, saved me. The BBC and Synchronicity adaptation will take this legacy to new peaks, creating powerful drama which connects with a current UK audience living under the shadow of rising violence, gangs and blade culture. We understand these profound challenges and are well placed to tell this story through lived experience and a shared commitment to accuracy. The solution lies in the community and that is where this story originated. I cannot wait to get stuck in and see THE YOUNG TEAM brought to life by such a trusted network as the BBC and with the tenacity and absolute passion of my friends and colleagues at Synchronicity Films.’ – Graeme Armstrong

‘Working with Graeme on the adaptation of his staggeringly accomplished debut novel THE YOUNG TEAM is at the heart of what we do at Synchronicity and it’s an absolute honour to watch his brilliance as he starts his screenwriting career,’ said Claire Mundell, Founder and Creative Director of Synchronicity Films.

‘Having explored gang culture in documentary form we’re thrilled to be adapting Graeme’s hit novel and bringing the complex characters to life on screen and showcasing THE YOUNG TEAM gang to viewers around the country. THE YOUNG TEAM has been such a culturally significant novel for Scotland and for the BBC to be the broadcaster bringing this powerful story to television truly is an honour,’ added Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: ‘THE YOUNG TEAM's unflinching and compelling depiction of gang life, inspired by Graeme’s personal experiences, has proven hugely popular with readers since its publication five years ago. We feel privileged that for his first TV drama Graeme has chosen to adapt his book for the BBC, working alongside the team at Synchronicity Films, and we can’t wait to bring Azzy and co to the screen.’

Photo: Robin Farquhar-Thomson

About Graeme Armstrong

Graeme Armstrong is a Scottish writer from Airdrie. His teenage years were spent within North Lanarkshire’s gang culture. Overcoming his own struggles with drug addiction, alcohol abuse and violence, he defied expectation to read English at the University of Stirling. He is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Strathclyde. Graeme regularly works within the community visiting prisons and schools, giving talks on his experiences of gang-culture and substance abuse. He promotes a message of anti-violence and abstinence-based recovery. His bestselling debut novel, THE YOUNG TEAM (Picador, 2020), is inspired by his experiences. It won a Betty Trask Award, a Somerset Maugham Award, and the Scots Book o the Year 2021.

Praise for Graeme Armstrong and THE YOUNG TEAM

‘Graeme Armstrong is the real deal.’ – Douglas Stuart

‘One of the most admired young voices in British fiction’ – Mike Wade, The Times

‘Gives us a voice from a place – geographically and socio-economically – we don’t often hear from’ – John Self, The Times

‘Armstrong’s hard-hitting novel is TRAINSPOTTING for a new generation’ – Independent

‘A swaggering, incendiary debut… Sharp yet tender and mischievously funny, THE YOUNG TEAM pitches Armstrong straight into the first division of Scottish writers.’ – Jude Cook, The Guardian

Follow Graeme on X, BlueSky and Instagram