Alan Parks joins Baskerville with new World War Two thriller trilogy GUNNER

Image: Euan Robertson

We are delighted to announce that Alan Parks, the award-winning author of the Harry McCoy series, has joined Baskerville, the literary crime and thriller imprint of John Murray, with his new World War II-set thriller trilogy GUNNER. Yassine Belkacemi, Editorial Director at John Murray and Baskerville, acquired UK and Commonwealth Rights (excluding Canada) from Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency.  Following his international acclaim for McCoy, publishers have also secured translation rights for the first book, GUNNER, in France (Editions Payot & Rivages) and Italy (Bompiani), while all three books in the series have been sold in Spain (Tusquets).

Joseph Gunner, an ex-cop of Swedish heritage, arrives back in Glasgow after being wounded in combat. His old boss persuades him to help investigate a body found in the wreckage of a bombed-out building. But when the body turns out to be that of a German, mutilated to disguise his identity, Gunner finds himself embroiled in a high level conspiracy that may well cost him his life. Partly inspired by the true story of Rudolph Hess’ secret mission to broker appeasement with Britain during WWII, GUNNER is a thrilling and compelling novel.

Alan Parks said: ‘I’m delighted to be embarking on this new series with Yassine and all at John Murray. Gunner has found a great home.’

On behalf of John Murray, Yassine Belkacemi added: ‘I’ve been a huge admirer of Alan’s work for a number of years and I’m buzzing that he has entrusted his brilliant new series to us at Baskerville. GUNNER is a riveting and extremely stylish work and Alan’s latest creation, Joseph Gunner, shows a great depth of humanity and complexity. I can’t wait for readers to meet him. The whole Baskerville and JMP team are delighted to welcome Alan and we can’t wait to launch the first book in this fantastic trilogy.’

‘Alan has so many ardent fans for his McCoy series – of which more in the future too – and it’s wonderful to see Alan’s new hero Joseph Gunner winning publishing admirers around the world already,’ said Isobel Dixon. ‘We are so thrilled that the GUNNER trilogy has found such a fine home with Yassine and Baskerville – a perfect match.’

About Alan Parks

Alan Parks worked in the music industry for over twenty years before turning to crime writing.

His debut BLOODY JANUARY was shortlisted for the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, FEBRUARY’S SON was nominated for an Edgar Award, BOBBY MARCH WILL LIVE FOREVER won the Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original, the Prix Mystère de la Critique in the foreign fiction category, and was shortlisted for the Macavity Award for Best Mystery Novel and THE APRIL DEAD was shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year. The fifth Harry McCoy book, MAY GOD FORGIVE, was published in April 2022 and won the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2022. It was shortlisted for the 2023 CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award and longlisted for the 2023 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. Most recently, TO DIE IN JUNE, the sixth entry in the series, was published by Canongate in 2023. The Harry McCoy series is optioned for television.

Alan was born in Scotland and attended The University of Glasgow where he was awarded a M.A. in Moral Philosophy. He still lives and works in the city as well as spending time in London.

Praise for Alan Parks

‘One of the great Scottish crime writers’ – The Times

‘Tipped to become an enduring classic of tartan noir.’ – Sunday Post

‘The Harry McCoy books by the bold Alan Parks just get better and better… If you’re not already reading these books, get onto them now.’ – Liam McIlvanney

‘Noir has long been the dominant colour in the palette of such Scottish writers as Ian Rankin and Denise Mina, but Parks manages to find a deeper shade of black… A must for those who take their noir straight, no chaser.’ – Bill Ott, Booklist

‘The birth of a new kind of intuitive old detective; rogue, stubborn, and Scottish... the new smash hit of Scottish noir.’ –Laura Fernández, El País

Visit Alan’s website

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Dialogue Books’ imprint Renegade snaps up Rachel Blackmore’s ‘outrageously evocative’ debut, COSTANZA

Credit: Nicolas Laborie

We are pleased to announce that CONSTANZA, Rachel Blackmore’s debut novel, has been snapped up by Renegade Books to be published as a super-lead title in August 2024. Rachel’s dazzling historical fiction, telling the forgotten story of Costanza Piccolomini, was acquired for the Dialogue Books imprint by Publisher Christina Demosthenous in a two-book deal, and translation rights have already been sold by Blake Friedmann in Italy and Brazil, as well as pre-empted in Spain.

COSTANZA brings to life the story of Costanza Piccolomini – a feminist icon who has been written out of history. Set in 1600’s Rome, it tells of Costanza’s intoxicating affair with Gianlorenzo Bernini – a famous sculptor who reigned over Roman society. Bernini wanted to possess Costanza not just in body and soul, but also in marble, creating a portrait which broke all rules of decorum and art. But in revealing Costanza in stone, she is exposed as his lover, marking the beginning of the end of their affair – and Costanza’s freedom… Within this tale of exhilarating desire, heady artistic pursuit and the most vicious of betrayals, is a story of control, violence against women and its devastating consequences. But above all, COSTANZA is a story of a remarkable woman who survives – and thrives – against the odds.

COSTANZA can now be pre-ordered here.

‘I couldn’t be more delighted that COSTANZA has found her home with Renegade,’ Rachel Blackmore says. ‘From the moment I heard Costanza’s story I knew I had to tell it. She was a phenomenal young, intelligent woman who found herself at the centre of a great Baroque scandal, yet all we have is Bernini’s version of events and her mute statue. I wanted to redress the balance; to prioritise Costanza’s narrative over that of her more powerful lover. Christina and the Renegade team have blown me away with their love, passion, and enthusiasm for Costanza, as well as their clear understanding of everything she represents.’

Publisher Christina Demosthenous added ‘in this dizzying, sultry and outrageously evocative book, Costanza finally steps out of the shadows of supreme sculptor, Gianlorenzo Bernini. This showstopping novel peels back the patriarchal mask that has cloaked this historical figure.  From the very first page, I was transported to the sun-drenched cobbles of Rome, and its darkness, danger, luxury and seediness. I’m in awe of Rachel’s talent, and I feel so lucky that I get to work on this special novel and introduce the world to COSTANZA – a true renegade.’ 

Rachel’s agent, Juliet Pickering says: ‘when COSTANZA landed in my inbox I was intrigued – I’m not usually a historical fiction reader, but the energy, humour and joy of Costanza’s voice blew me away, and I savoured the atmospheric, sensual setting. I can never resist a feminist icon, and Costanza was one of the most inspiring and resilient women I’ve come to know. I can’t wait for more people to meet and discover her!’

COSTANZA will be a flagship title for the brand-new imprint, Renegade.

Rome 1636. History calls her a Muse. Temptress. Fallen woman. This is her story.

In the scorched city of Rome, the cobbled streets hum with gossip and sin. Costanza Piccolomini is a respectable young wife – until she meets Gianlorenzo Bernini, the famed sculptor and star of Roman society, whose jet-black gaze matches his dark temper. From the second they set eyes upon each other, a fatal attraction is born.

Their secret love burns with a passion that consumes them. But with every stolen kiss and illicit tryst, Costanza’s reputation is at stake. Meanwhile, Bernini has a dangerous desire: he wants to make Costanza immortal. He vows to possess her not just in body and soul, but also in marble.

When Bernini unveils his sculpture of Costanza she is exposed as his lover, marking the undoing of their affair – and the beginning of a scandal which will rock Roman society. For Bernini would rather destroy Costanza than let her go.

Betrayed. Abandoned. Banished. This was meant to be the end of Costanza’s story. But Costanza is no ordinary woman: from the ashes, she will rise…

COSTANZA is a dizzying and sensual historical novel that brings to life a feminist icon who has been written out of history. This addictive tale of desire and betrayal is perfect for fans of THE MARRIAGE PORTRAIT and THE MINIATURIST.

About Rachel Blackmore

Born in Birmingham the daughter of a theatre director and a teacher, Rachel developed her love of language and storytelling at a young age. She went on to study Early Modern History, before embarking on a career in politics which morphed into a long bout as a speechwriter – a craft she now teaches.

Rachel spent more than a decade working and raising a family, before taking a career break to write historical fiction about marginalised women, as a way of looking at contemporary issues.

In 2021 she was a runner up in Harper’s Bazaar Short Story Competition and won the Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair in 2022.

She lives in London with her three teenagers, two cats and one dog.

Follow Rachel on Instagram and Twitter

Canelo acquires historical fiction debut from Sunday Times bestseller Paul Finch

Credit: Eleanor Finch

Canelo will publish three historical fiction titles from Sunday Times bestselling author Paul Finch, writing as P.W. Finch. Commissioning Editor Craig Lye acquired World English Language rights from Kate Burke at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency in a three-book deal.

The novels will be published as a standalone and a duology. The standalone, provisionally titled WOLFHEAD, is set in Northumbria in 1066. When seventeen-year-old Cerdic’s father and brother fall in battle against the invading Earl Tostig and his Viking ally, Harald Hardraada, he briefly becomes Earl of Ripon before the town is seized by the raiders. On the run and fearing for his life, Cerdic must fight to reclaim his birthright.

The duology is set at the end of the 12th century, and follows the adventures of Thurstan Wildblood, a knight who journeys back to England from the Third Crusade, transporting a precious relic at the behest of Richard the Lionheart, and desperately hoping to redeem his soul in the process.

Craig Lye says: ‘I was absolutely delighted to hear that Paul was looking to write historical fiction alongside his superb thrillers. I devoured WOLFHEAD on submission; its pacing is relentless, and Paul’s characterisation and lightly worn historical knowledge are brilliant.’

Paul Finch says: ‘What can I say … I’ve always loved the Middle Ages, especially as a setting for full-on action/adventure fiction. I’m an avid reader of historical action novels, and have been dying to get in there as a writer, to spin some yarns of my own. Canelo have now made that possible.’

Kate Burke says: ‘I'm delighted to have this deal in place with Craig and the Canelo team. This second strand of Paul's publishing is a really exciting one and I'm looking forward to publication next year!’

WOLFHEAD will be published in April 2023 in mass-market paperback and ebook, with the duology to follow in 2024.

About Paul Finch

Paul Finch is an ex-cop and journalist turned author. He is the author of the bestselling Mark Heckenburg and Lucy Clayburn crime series (published by Avon/HarperCollins) as well as standalone thrillers ONE EYE OPEN and NEVER SEEN AGAIN (Orion). Paul lives in Lancashire with his wife and business partner, Cathy.

Praise for Paul Finch

‘Exceptional crime writing. Paul Finch continues to raise the bar.’ – M.W. Craven

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

‘Wonderfully dark and peppered with grim humour. Finch is a born storyteller and writes with the authentic voice of the ex-copper he is.’ – Peter James

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

Visit Paul's blog. 

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BARBARA ERSKINE’S THE DREAM WEAVERS SHOOTS STRAIGHT INTO THE TOP 5 IN THE SUNDAY TIMES HARDBACK BESTSELLER CHART

Barbara Erskine’s sweeping new historical novel, THE DREAM WEAVERS (HarperCollins), has flown straight to the Number 4 spot in the Sunday Times hardback bestseller chart after just three days on sale, while the audiobook sailed into the Audible Top 10 bestsellers at Number 7. THE DREAM WEAVERS has also been included in Waterstones’ Best Books to Look Out For in April and was a LoveReading Exciting New Books on the Horizon pick.

Mercia, 788 AD. In the grand Saxon halls of Mercia, King Offa rules with cold ambition. His youngest daughter Eadburh is destined for an arranged marriage, but with reckless spirit her heart is taken by a Welsh prince, a man she can never be matched with and who is quickly and cruelly taken from her.

Eadburh inherited her father’s ruthless ways but it’s the gifts passed down from her mother that are far more dangerous. She is determined to carve her own place in the world, yet her path could cause war.

Offa’s Dyke, 2021. In a cottage hidden amongst the misty Welsh hills of Offa’s Dyke, Bea Dalloway is called to help Simon Armstrong, who is searching for peace. Instead he finds himself disturbed by unsettling noises and visions.

It isn’t long before Bea is also swept up by haunting dreams. The past is whispering to them, calling out for the truth to be told at last.  And as dreams and reality weave closer together, Bea and Simon must be strong to resist the pull of the past – and its desire for revenge…

You can read more about Offa’s Dyke in Barbara’s article for The Telegraph.

THE DREAM WEAVERS also garnered wonderful early praise from authors:

‘If you like brilliantly written history tinged with magic and ghosts, you'll love this’ – Peter James

‘As if by magic, THE DREAM WEAVERS transported me to another time and place. Mysterious and haunting - a richly woven tapestry of history and intrigue.’ – Fiona Valpy

‘Time-slip novels are rarely as compelling as this one, and Barbara Erskine is the supreme mistress of the genre. THE DREAM WEAVERS is a dazzling roller-coaster of a book that will thrill, enchant and intrigue those who love history and the supernatural. Erskine’s grasp of time, place and atmosphere is second to none, the storytelling a masterpiece, the ending one of the most moving I have ever read. If you read one book this year, read this one!’ – Alison Weir

‘So atmospheric and suspenseful, full of myth and magic and hauntings’ – Rachel Hore

‘Warmth, depth, mystery, magic and the supernatural … such a beautiful book!’ –  Santa Montefiore

‘Barbara Erskine has done it yet again. From the very first pages of THE DREAM WEAVERS, you are drawn into the lives of modern-day characters who will, inexorably, slip the bonds of time into the mysterious and magical world of the early Saxons, and find yourself turning the pages with increasing urgency to follow this terrific, epic tale of secrets and betrayals.’ – Liz Trenow

Translation rights in THE DREAM WEAVERS have already been sold in the Czech Republic and Russia. New audio editions of her classic novels LADY OF HAY, WHISPERS IN THE SAND and KINGDOM OF SHADOWS will also be released throughout 2021, with introductions written and read by Barbara herself.

About the Author:

Historian and novelist, Barbara Erskine was the first writer to become a major bestseller with dual time period novels. Her first novel, LADY OF HAY, catapulted her to international success and has been constantly in print for 35 years. Often imitated, never equalled, Barbara’s work is published all around the world in English and in 26 other languages. Her books are regular Sunday Times bestsellers in both hardback and paperback, with millions of copies sold.

Barbara Erskine has 16 novels and 3 original short story collections to her name. Euromedia published ‘The Best of Barbara Erskine’ short story collection in the Czech Republic in October 2020.

She lives in an old police station in Hay-on-Wye, the setting of LADY OF HAY and SLEEPER’S CASTLE, and near Offa’s Dyke, a key location in THE DREAM WEAVERS.

 Praise for Barbara Erskine
‘Fascinating, absorbing, original. But perhaps the most suitable word is hypnotic.’ – SHE

‘Erskine never disappoints.’ — Historical Novel Society

'My perfect storm of escapist bliss.' – Saga

‘The acknowledged queen of the historical time-slip novel.’ – Daily Mail

‘Whether you class her as historical or supernatural, she is certainly a first-rate storyteller.’ – The Bookseller

Visit Barbara’s website.

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TEMPLAR SILKS by Elizabeth Chadwick published today by Sphere

Elizabeth Chadwick’s glorious new adventure is published today by Sphere in hardback, ebook and audiobook, narrated by Jonathan Keeble. TEMPLAR SILKS marks an exciting return to the character of William Marshal, England’s greatest medieval knight, following him across continents, from England to Jerusalem, as from his deathbed he recalls a crucial journey to the Holy City, and the peril and heartbreak he found there.

William Marshal was an Anglo-Norman soldier and statesman who served five English kings, eulogised by Stephen Langton as the ‘best knight that ever lived’. Elizabeth Chadwick’s novels about him are widely praised, and her vivid depiction of this extraordinary man in books like THE GREATEST KNIGHT has made him one of her best-loved characters. Fulfilling a vow he had made while on crusade – the subject of this thrilling new novel – William Marshal was invested into the order of the Knights Templar on his deathbed in1219. He was buried in the Temple Church in London, where his tomb can still be seen.

Elizabeth Chadwick’s bestselling standalones THE GREATEST KNIGHT and THE SCARLET LION also feature this compelling historical figure, while characters around William feature in other novels – among them his father John Marshal in A PLACE BEYOND COURAGE and his daughter Mahelt (also called Maud) in TO DEFY A KING, which won the Romantic Novelists’ Association Historical Novel of the Year Award in 2011.

US rights to TEMPLAR SILKS have been sold to Shana Drehs of Sourcebooks, with German rights going to Blanvalet and Czech rights to Euromedia, with option publishers elsewhere including Portugal, Poland, Russia and Latvia. Her work is published in 24 languages and has sold more than a million copies in the UK alone.

A sacred promise. A perilous journey. A deadly entanglement.

Lying on his deathbed, William Marshal, regent of England, sends a trusted friend on a journey to bring him the silk Templar burial shrouds that he has kept hidden since returning from the Holy Land thirty years ago.  It is time to fulfil his Templar vows and become one of their order for eternity.

While he waits, William vividly recalls his long-ago pilgrimage to Jerusalem with his brother Ancel, and their sacred mission to bear the cloak of their dead young lord to Christ's tomb in the church of the Holy Sepulchre. Their journey is fraught with uncertainty and danger, but it is in Jerusalem, the holiest and most dangerous of cities, that William becomes entangled with the mercurial Paschia de Riveri, concubine of the highest churchman in the land. He has travelled a long and risky road to save his soul, but now the greatest danger he faces is losing his heart.

Elizabeth Chadwick won a Betty Trask Award for THE WILD HUNT, her first novel, and has been shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Award several times, winning in 2011 for TO DEFY A KING. THE SCARLET LION was selected by Historical Novel Society founder Richard Lee as one of his 'Ten Landmark Historical Novels of the Last Decade'.

Visit Elizabeth’s website

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Praise for TEMPLAR SILKS:

‘A great example of historical fiction done well… brilliantly written…the whole story sits together with ease with a real feeling of authenticity…This book feels like a fair representation of a man who is remembered as the backbone of early English history.’ — The Bookbag

‘Nobody in my opinion brings the medieval world to life in full colour like Elizabeth Chadwick…a gloriously exciting depiction of some of medieval Europe’s danger spots, where peril lay around almost every corner and in every town…Elizabeth Chadwick has such a gift in the way she surrounds her reader in the past.’ — For Winter Nights 

Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick:

‘This is historical fiction at its best.’ — The Bookseller

‘An author who makes historical fiction come gloriously alive.’ —The Times

‘Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel is like having a Bentley draw up at your door: you know you are in for a sumptuous ride.’ — Daily Telegraph

‘I rank Elizabeth Chadwick with such historical novelist stars as Dorothy Dunnett and Anya Seton.’ – Sharon Kay Penman

‘One of Elizabeth Chadwick’s strengths is her stunning grasp of historical detail…Her characters are beguiling and the story is intriguing and very enjoyable.’ — Barbara Erskine