News - Zeno Agency Ltd.

THE LAST WIZARDS’ BALL by Charlaine Harris is Out in Four Weeks!

Posted on Friday, June 27th, 2025

In four weeks, Piatkus are due to publish the final novel in Charlaine Harris‘s acclaimed Gunnie Rose series, THE LAST WIZARDS’ BALL! Hitting shelves on July 22nd, here’s the synopsis…

The sixth and final instalment in the critically acclaimed Gunnie Rose series as sisters Lizbeth Rose and Felicia must face their fates at the last Wizards’ Ball.

Lizbeth Rose’s sister Felicia attends the Grand Wizards’ Ball, and as one of the most powerful — and beautiful — death wizards in a generation, she is highly sought after as one of the belles of the ball.

However, war and violence are on the rise in Europe as German and Japanese wizards are also courting Felicia… and some are refusing to take no for an answer.

As the façade of genteel wizard society turns deadly, Lizbeth must learn to not only protect her sister, but also navigate the arcane world that is pulling her sister and husband into a dangerous dance with death that could change the world as they know it.

Piatkus has also published the first five novels in the series: AN EASY DEATH, A LONGER FALL, THE RUSSIAN CAGE, THE SERPENT IN HEAVEN, and ALL THE DEAD SHALL WEEP.

Zeno represents Charlaine Harris in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

New UK Audiobook Edition of William Gibson’s COUNT ZERO is Out Now!

Posted on Thursday, June 26th, 2025

William Gibson‘s acclaimed COUNT ZERO is out now in a new UK audiobook edition! The second novel in the Sprawl series, which began with the classic NEUROMANCER, it is published by W. F. Howes, and read by Alix Wilton Regan, Kyle Soller, and Sebastián Capitán Viveros. Here’s the synopsis…

They set a Slamhound on Turner’s trail in New Delhi, slotted it to his pheromones and the colour of his hair.When the Maas Biolabs and Hosaka zaibatsus fight it out for world domination, computer cowboys like Turner and Count Zero are just foot soldiers in the great game: useful but ultimately expendable.When Turner wakes up in Mexico — in a new body with a beautiful woman beside him — his corporate masters let him recuperate for a while, then reactivate his memory for a mission even more dangerous than the one that nearly killed him: the head designer from Maas Biolabs says he wants to defect to Hosaka, and it’s Turner’s job to deliver him safely.

Count Zero is a rustbelt data-hustler totally unprepared for what comes his way when the designer’s defection triggers war in cyberspace. With voodoo gods in the Net and angels in the software, he can only hope that the megacorps and the super-rich have their virtual hands too full to notice the amateur hacker with the black market kit trying desperately to stay alive.

COUNT ZERO and the other novels in the Sprawl series — NEUROMANCER, MONA LISA OVERDRIVE, and BURNING CHROME — are available in print and eBook in the UK, published by Gollancz.

NEUROMANCER is also available in a couple of other SF Masterworks editions, also published by Gollancz.

Zeno represents William Gibson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of to Nell Pierce at Sterling Lord Literistic.

Shannon Mayer’s NEVERTHORN is out in Four Weeks!

Posted on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025

There are only four weeks until the publication of NEVERTHORN, the highly-anticipated new novel from Shannon Mayer! Due out on July 24th in the UK, it will be published by Michael Joseph Books. Here’s the synopsis…

Welcome to Neverthorn Academy.

Where a bunch of magical school misfits are about to save the world.

Or, more likely, die trying…

Since dropping out of Neverthorn Academy, after the death of her mother, Harlow Daygon has been working as an enchanted-jewel thief.

The last thing she expects is for the school to make an offer she can’t refuse: come back to Neverthorn and join seven others with secret magical abilities in House Phoenix. There, they’ll be trained in potions, rune casting and combat.

Because Nocta – a powerful dark wizard who has been plaguing the magical realm for decades – has the mortal world in his sights, and the students of House Phoenix are all that stand in his way.

But Harlow failed at Neverthorn once before. And nothing reminds her of this more than tall, brooding Typhon – Harlow’s old classmate and nemesis – who is now the professor tasked with unlocking her own, special power.

Except Harlow is sure that Typhon and the other professors are hiding a dark secret.

One she must figure out before Nocta arrives to bring about the end of the world…

NEVERTHORN will also be available in a Waterstone’s special edition, with fantastic sprayed edges…

The novel is already generating some great pre-publication buzz; here are just a few of the early responses…

‘If you like your heroes messy, your professors brooding, and your fantasies dark, NEVERTHORN is for you. Prepare to fall. Hard. Like, it’s gonna hurt’ — Darynda Jones, New York Times bestselling author of the Charley Davidson series

‘This is a super fun, action-packed magical Academy adventure ― perfect for readers of books like Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy, but who want a main character who is a little bit older, seasoned, and absolutely hilarious!’ — C. N. Crawford, author of The Hallowed Games duology

‘Neverthorn is for the women who’ve lived, bled, and clawed their way to survive. Dark academia gets a savage, spellbinding twist ― and Harlow Daygon is the chaotic queen we didn’t know we needed’ — K. F. Breene, USA Today bestselling author of the Shadowspell Academy series

Zeno represents Shannon Mayer in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Emily Rath’s PUCKING STRONG out in Four Weeks!

Posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2025

The UK edition of PUCKING STRONG, the fourth novel by Emily Rath in the acclaimed Jacksonville Rays series, is out in four weeks! The novel is due to be published by Penguin, on July 24th. Here’s the synopsis…

Teddy O’Connor has made a terrible mistake. He’s followed the man who holds his heart halfway around the world – Henrik Karlsson, the star forward of the NHL’s Jacksonville Rays.

As the team doctor, Teddy’s determined to keep things professional. Until that is, Henrik needs Teddy to marry him…

With the tragic passing of his sister back in Sweden, Henrik must take on guardianship of his young niece. But the Swedish Government won’t let him take over custody alone – enter Teddy.

With the new hockey season about to start, the Rays PR Director needs them to make this marriage look real. The team’s public image, their jobs, and Henrik’s custody agreement depend on it.

But the Rays don’t need to worry – the problem isn’t that Teddy has to fake his love, the problem is that it’s very real.

The first three novels in the series are out now: PUCKING AROUND, PUCKING WILD, and PUCKING SWEET.

Zeno represents Emily Rath in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

BEASTS OF THE BRIAR UK Paperbacks Out in Four Weeks

Posted on Thursday, June 19th, 2025

The new, paperback editions of Elizabeth Helen‘s Beasts of the Briar series are out in four weeks! BONDED BY THORNS, WOVEN BY GOLD, FORGED BY MALICE, and BROKEN BY DAYLIGHT are all due to be published by Magpie in the UK, on July 17th. Here’s the synopsis for the first novel…

🥀 Start the sizzling SUNDAY TIMES bestselling series, a scorching take on Beauty and the Beast 🥀

Four handsome fae princes.

One awkward bookworm.

An Enchanted Vale.

A beastly curse to break.

Rosalina O’Connell lives her life in Orca Cove as quietly as she can.

When her father turns up missing, Rosie goes after him and finds herself in the Enchanted Vale, the land of the fae. Where her father has been imprisoned and Rosie has no choice but to make a deal with four fae Princes to take his place.

As Rosie begins to learn more about the four Princes, she discovers that they have been cursed. The Princes must take on the form of demonic wolves every night and with every year that passes, more of their magic fades away.

If the Princes can each find their mate, they will break their curse and free their realm. Rosie is determined to help them…

The only problem is, the more time she spends with the Princes, the more she’s convinced that she’s the one they’re all meant to be with.

A spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling filled with enchanted fae, morally grey characters, a stupidly hot villain and a princess who has found her Prince Charming. All four of them.

Zeno represents Elizabeth Helen in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

MISTBORN SAGA eBook Collection Out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

In three weeks (July 10th), Gollancz are due to publish a complete Mistborn collection! The eBook collects all seven, critically-acclaimed and best-selling novels in Brandon Sanderson‘s series, comprising both “eras” of the series.

Here’s the synopsis…

For the first time in eBook, collected here is the set of the novels making up the entire Mistborn saga, from fantasy superstar Brandon Sanderson.

From the epic quest of Kelsier and Vin as they seek to overthrow the tyrannical Dark Lord, to the fast-paced adventures of frontier lawman Waxillium Ladrian and Wayne, jump into the rich world of Scadrial and experience a high-stakes saga full of twists and turns.

Right from the start, all the way to the very end, this fantasy series brims with magic and is quintessential reading for anyone looking to experience the imagination of a master of the genre.

Contains:
THE FINAL EMPIRE
THE WELL OF ASCENSION
THE HERO OF AGES
THE ALLOY OF LAW
SHADOWS OF SELF
THE BANDS OF MOURNING
THE LOST METAL

Zeno represents Brandon Sanderson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Katy Nyquist’s A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED is Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025

Katy Nyquist‘s A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED, the highly-anticipated first novel in the Scandals of the Gifted series, is out today! Published by Podium, here’s the synopsis…

A Holy Maiden should never drink, get kidnapped, nor kiss a Dark Lord, but Ysabel is breaking all the rules to escape her fate as a human sacrifice.

In a world where magical powers are commonplace, Holy Maiden Ysabel is revered as a goddess among her people. She’s the only one able to heal the sick and injured with a simple touch. But her spectacular gift comes at a steep price. For each person she saves, she loses a day of her own conscripted life. To add insult to injury, she’s supposed to maintain a pure image even though she’d rather drink and play dominatrix until her sorrows fade away.

After the corrupt Head Cardinal Jiang abuses her gift, forbids her from leaving the city, and takes her brother hostage, Ysabel doesn’t dare drag anyone else into her problems — especially since it won’t change her fate. But when Dark Lord Kaine arrives at her clinic doorstep grievously wounded, she’s touched by his refusal to accept her healing lest it cost her another day of her life.

The mysterious and sexy Dark Lord awakens forbidden desires in Ysabel, and the nagging survival instinct she tried to drown with booze and drugs comes back with a vengeance. She’s less impressed, however, when he threatens to sack her city in return for his injuries. Fortunately, she can flirt her way to an alliance against the Head Cardinal instead.

Armed with only a ferociously loyal female bodyguard named Alzira, Ysabel attempts to make the most of her mere months left to live, protect the refugees around her city, prevent a war, and hide her face blindness. But before her life flickers to its sad end, she must decide: either die a proper Holy Maiden or risk it all to run off with Kaine.

With a cover by Mario Teodosio, the novel is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook (read by Hollie Jackson).

“[A Holy Maiden’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped features] a protagonist with a strong voice and unique character facets like face blindness and a healing gift . . . and some nice worldbuilding, both in broad strokes and specific detailing.’ — Elayne Audrey Becker, author of the Forestborn duology

‘I… absolutely fell in love with Ysabel and Kaine… The ‘opposites attract’ trope worked so well for this story… The stakes are high throughout… Great craft and storytelling!’ — April L. Wood, author of the Season of the Witch series

‘Both [Ysabel and Kaine are] strongly drawn and very relatable.’ — Bogi Takács, author of Power to Yield

Ben Aaronovitch’s DIE MEERJUNGFRAUEN VON ABERDEEN is out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Monday, June 16th, 2025

STONE & SKY, the highly-anticipated tenth novel in Ben Aaronovitch‘s Rivers of London series, is due out next month! In addition to the UK and North American edition, DTV will be publishing the novel in Germany! DIE MEERJUNGFRAUEN VON ABERDEEN, translated by Christine Blum, will be available from July 10th. Here’s the synopsis…

Eigentlich wollte Peter nur Urlaub in Schottland machen – besser gesagt: Beverley wollte das. Aber dank eines Schafs mit ungeklärter Todesursache landet wenig später ein Großteil der Londoner Magiepolizei sowie Peters Familie mit erweitertem Anhang (nicht zuletzt Cousine Abigail) im schönen Aberdeenshire. Und spätestens als die Obduktion einer männlichen Leiche sehr ungewöhnliche Ergebnisse liefert, ist es mit dem beschaulichen Badeurlaub an der schottischen Küste vorbei.

»Sei bloß vorsichtig«, sagte ich. »Hier in Schottland kann ich nichts für dich tun. Wenn du Probleme kriegst, bist du auf dich allein gestellt.« Und weil das Universum Ironie über alles liebt, kam in genau diesem Augenblick der Anruf von Abdul.

Es stellt sich heraus: Nicht nur in den Tiefen der See leben unbekannte Wesen, auch am Himmel ist magisch einiges los. Trotzdem hält keineswegs nur der spektakuläre Fall Peter auf Trab – die zweijährigen Zwillinge sind schwerer zu hüten als eine außer Kontrolle geratene Herde Schafe…

STONE & SKY is due to be published by Gollancz/Orion in the UK (July 3rd) and DAW Books in North America (July 8th). Here’s the English-language synopsis…

‘This isn’t London. The rules are different up here, and so are the allegiances.’

Detective Sergeant Peter Grant takes a much-needed holiday up in Scotland. And he’ll need one when this is over…

If more’s the merrier, then it’s ecstatic as his partner Beverley, their young twins, his mum, dad, his dad’s band and their dodgy manager all tag along. Even his boss, DCI Thomas Nightingale, takes in the coastal airs as he trains Peter’s cousin Abigail in the arcane arts.

And they’ll need them too, because Scotland’s Granite City has more than its fair share of history and mystery, myth … and murder.

When a body is found in a bus stop, fresh from the sea, the case smells fishy from the off.

Something may be stirring beyond the bay — but there’s something far stranger in the sky…

Coming Soon: THE TOWER OF THE TYRANT by J. T. Greathouse

Posted on Friday, June 13th, 2025

This winter, Gollancz is due to publish the next epic novel by J. T. Greathouse: THE TOWER OF THE TYRANT. A ‘rich standalone adventure for fans of Geralt and Ciri in The Witcher, for those who loved the mystery of The Tainted Cup, or for anyone looking to recapture the magic of The Wheel of Time’, it’s due out in the UK on November 6th. Here’s the synopsis…

A LAND DIVIDED. A HISTORY INKED IN BLOOD. ONE SORCERESS’S QUEST FOR ANSWERS.

The world beyond the City of the Wise is fraught with danger. But Fola, a talented sorceress who has left the safety of its walls, is unconcerned. She’s on the hunt for magical remnants left behind by the First Folk — ancient beings who are but the whisper of a memory. Only by finding them might she uncover the secret to their power and a way to pull the riven lands out of the darkness.

Danger lies ahead for Fola, however she feels about it. And when events conspire to drag her into a cursed kingdom to investigate the death of its king, she’s soon faced by threats from both the living and the dead.

Fola will need to rely on her wits, her magic and her unlikely friends if she’s going to survive. But there is always hope, no matter how dark things get. And three things remain true, above all else.

Fellowship is stronger than isolation.

The past will come back to haunt you.

Nothing stays secret forever.

Gollancz also publishes Greathouse’s acclaimed debut trilogy, the Pact & the Pattern: THE HAND OF THE SUN KING, THE GARDEN OF EMPIRE, and THE PATTERN OF THE WORLD.

Zeno represents J. T. Greathouse in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Out Now: LÉGENDES & LATTES, LA SAGA by Travis Baldree!

Posted on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

Today, Ynnis Éditions publish a special French omnibus edition of Travis Baldree‘s Legends & Lattes series! Translated by Stéphanie Chaptal, it collects the novels LEGENDS & LATTES and BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST, and the stories PAGES TO FILL and GOBLINS & GREATCOATS. Here’s the synopsis…

Cet ouvrage contient le roman Légendes et Lattes et sa suite, Sagas et Sable d’os, la nouvelle Des pages à remplir, ainsi que la nouvelle inédite Gobeline et Gabardine. Avec de toutes nouvelles illustrations et des extraits de journal intime de Viv et du carnet de notes de Pitts.

Une tasse de fantasy, des tranches de vie savoureuse et un zeste de romance !

Rencontrez Viv, une orc mercenaire au passé tumultueux, qui décide de changer de vie. Elle se lance dans une entreprise audacieuse : la création d’un café. Un pari risqué, car dans la ville de Tuine, les elfes, lutins et autres ratelins ignorent tout de ce breuvage peu ragoûtant… Son chemin croisera celui de personnages hauts en couleur, qui vivront avec elle des aventures où la magie n’est jamais très loin.

Aux côtés d’une succube très perspicace, d’un hobgobelin mutique et de divers alliés improbables, Viv devra réussir à se tailler une place dans un monde qui lui est inconnu, tout en protégeant coûte que coûte ce qui compte le plus pour elle.

The internationally-bestselling and highly acclaimed LEGENDS & LATTES and BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST are published by Tor Books in the UK and North America. Here’s the English-language synopsis for LEGENDS & LATTES…

A cosy, heartwarming slice-of-life fantasy about found families and fresh starts.

High fantasy, low stakes – with a double-shot of coffee.

After decades of adventuring, Viv the orc barbarian is finally hanging up her sword for good. Now she sets her sights on a new dream – for she plans to open the first coffee shop in the city of Thune. Even though no one there knows what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the past behind her, she can’t go it alone. And help might arrive from unexpected quarters. Yet old rivals and new stand in the way of success. And Thune’s shady underbelly could make it all too easy for Viv to take up the blade once more.

But the true reward of the uncharted path is the travellers you meet along the way. Whether bound by ancient magic, delicious pastries or a freshly brewed cup, they may become something deeper than Viv ever could have imagined…

‘This is a warm hug of a book’ — T. Kingfisher, bestselling author of Nettle & Bone

‘The most fun I’ve ever had in a coffee shop’ — Ben Aaronovitch, bestselling author of Rivers of London

‘This sapphic triumph is an absolute must’ — Rebecca Thorne, bestselling author of Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea

‘This is a story about following your dreams, even when they take you away from who you thought you had to be. It’s sweet, beautiful and, most of all, kind. I hugely recommend this book’ — Seanan McGuire, author of the Wayward Children series

‘A gentle little cozy set against an epic fantasy backdrop… This charming outing will please anyone who’s ever wished to spend time in a fantasy world without all the quests and battles.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘This slice-of-life cozy fantasy novel has everything you’ve been searching for.’ — Buzzfeed

‘With its mysterious encounters, summer flings and a growing number of skeletons, Baldree’s fantastical novel is the perfect winter indulgence.’ — HuffPost Books (“Best Books We Read in 2023)

‘What I love about Travis Baldree is that set against an epic world of adventure, he writes about the small victories that make life worthwhile. BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST does this and it is glorious’ — Ben Aaronovitch

‘… a lovely coming-of-age story about a character trained for war who learns that there’s more to life than endless battles. What makes the story special is the way that so many stock fantasy archetypes are cast against type and find new modes of prospering that don’t involve big weapons and bigger wars… This prequel is the perfect place for readers to start Baldree’s cozy fantasy series where folks band together for good, and evil is conquered through cleverness and friendship.’ — Library Journal (Starred Review), SFF Pick of the Month

‘Baldree’s prequel to Legends and Lattes (2022) cements his talent for cozy fantasy, engaging characters, and anachronistic references that would be at home in a Discworld novel… Knowing where a character ends up often drains tension from a prequel, but Baldree avoids that pitfall because the joy of reading here isn’t a simple uncertainty over who lives or dies but rather watching friendships blossom and characters grow. Folks who enjoyed the camaraderie and settings of this year’s Dungeons & Dragons movie—as well as anyone who likes the idea of an orc warrior becoming a devotee of the power of reading and its ability to broaden your horizons—should check out Viv’s adventures.’ — Booklist (Starred Review)

‘Bestseller Baldree’s cozy standalone sequel to LEGENDS & LATTES shows that even a battle-hungry orc can find happiness in life’s simple pleasures… The innocent joy of Viv and Fern’s love is delightful and Baldree’s formula of placing low-stakes stories in high-fantasy settings remains good fun. Series fans will eat this up.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘This prequel gives readers a glimpse of Viv as a young orc, still committed to the fighter’s life, just taking an enforced break in a charming town populated by compelling, richly drawn characters, and the slightest hint of danger in the wind. Despite the lurking necromancer, the vibes are decidedly warm and cozy, and the plot is just as much about saving the bookstore and building relationships as it is about protecting the town from the man in gray. As a prequel, it can stand alone, but will certainly satisfy fans as well. Warm and wonderful.’ — Kirkus (Starred Review)

Andrew Cartmel’s LIKE A BULLET Out in Four Weeks!

Posted on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025

LIKE A BULLET, the third novel in the acclaimed Paperback Sleuth series by Andrew Cartmel, is out in four weeks! Due to be published by Titan Books on July 8th, here’s the synopsis…

When Erik Make Loud, retired rock star and a major World War Two nut, hires Cordelia, the Paperback Sleuth, to track down a series of lurid paperbacks about his favourite global conflict — the “Commando” novels by the blatantly pseudonymous Butch Raider — it seems like a routine job. But Cordelia soon discovers the final novel in the series, the incredibly rare Commando Gold, is all but impossible to track down.

The books’ creator — real name Monty Harrington, once a promising young poet and now a depraved drunk — proves easier to find. Writing pulp war stories didn’t come naturally to Monty. Until he met someone who knew all about such stuff during a pub crawl; a genuine ex-commando who, for the price of a pint or two, was willing to provide Monty with authentic anecdotes.

Too authentic, it turns out…

Because Commando Gold reveals the details of a real-life commando mission.

At the time the mission was top secret.

And all these years later, someone is quite prepared to kill to keep it so.

The first two books in the series — DEATH IN FINE CONDITION and ASHRAM ASSASSIN — are also published by Titan Books, and available in paperback and eBook; the novels are also available as audiobooks, published by W. F. Howes and read by Olivia Dowd. Titan also publishes Andrew’s Vinyl Detective series.

DIE FLÜSSE VON LONDON Reihe III Out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Monday, June 9th, 2025

A third omnibus edition of Rivers of London novels — collecting books 7-9 by Ben Aaronovitch — is out in Germany in three weeks! DIE FLÜSSE VON LONDON Reihe III is due to be published by DTV on June 30th! Translated by Christine Blum, here’s the synopsis…

DIE GLOCKE VON WHITECHAPEL:

Constable und Zauberlehrling Peter Grant steht vor seiner größten Herausforderung: Das Schicksal Londons steht auf dem Spiel. Der gesichtslose Magier, verantwortlich für grauenvolle übernatürliche Verbrechen, ist zwar endlich demaskiert und auf der Flucht. Doch er verfolgt einen perfiden Plan, der ganz London in den Abgrund stürzen könnte. Um den Gesichtslosen zu stoppen, muss Peter all seine magischen Kräfte aufbieten – und einen bösen alten Bekannten kontaktieren: Mr. Punch, den mörderischen Geist des Aufruhrs und der Rebellion.

EIN WEISSER SCHWAN IN TABERNACLE STREET:

Peter Grant, unser Londoner Lieblings-Bobby und Zauberlehrling, steht vor völlig neuen privaten Herausforderungen. Welche ihn zu gleichen Teilen mit Panik und Begeisterung erfüllen. Beruflich bekommt er es mit der Serious Cybernetics Corporation zu tun, dem neuesten Projekt des Internet-Genies Terrence Skinner. Und prompt holt die Magie ihn wieder ein. Denn in den Tiefen der SCC ist ein Geheimnis verborgen, eine geheime magische Technologie, die zurückreicht bis weit ins 19. Jahrhundert, das Zeitalter von Ada Lovelace und Charles Babbage. Und die brandgefährlich ist für die Welt.

DIE SILBERKAMMER IN DER CHANCERY LANE:

Peter Grant, der Londoner Bobby und Zauberlehrling (sowie neuerdings Praktikantinnenausbilder), hat einen neuen Fall. In den Silberkammern in der Chancery Lane hat es einen merkwürdigen Todesfall gegeben. Der Tote weist eine große Wunde im Brustkorb auf – als hätte man ihm das Herz herausgerissen. Die Ermittlungen führen zu einem zweiten Toten. Und dann zunehmend weiter über London hinaus – in völlig unerwartete räumliche, zeitliche und extradimensionale Gefilde. Dabei hat Peter eigentlich schon mehr als genug damit zu tun, sich auf ein ganz bestimmtes freudiges Ereignis vorzubereiten, das allmählich die Züge eines hochmagischen und illustren Großevents annimmt …

LIES SLEEPING, FALSE VALUE, and AMONGST OUR WEAPONS are published in the UK by Gollancz/Orion, and DAW Books in North America. Here’s the English-language synopsis for LIES SLEEPING…

In London, the past is never dead. It only lies sleeping…

Martin Chorley – aka the Faceless Man – wanted for multiple counts of murder, fraud and crimes against humanity, has been unmasked and is on the run. Peter Grant, Detective Constable and apprentice wizard, now plays a key role in an unprecedented joint operation to bring Chorley to justice.

But even as the unwieldy might of the Metropolitan Police bears down on its foe, Peter uncovers clues that Chorley, far from being finished, is executing the final stages of a long-term plan. A plan that has its roots in London’s two thousand bloody years of history, and could literally bring the city to its knees.

To save his beloved city Peter’s going to need help from his former best friend and colleague – Lesley May – who brutally betrayed him and everything he thought she believed in. And, far worse, he might even have to come to terms with the malevolent supernatural killer and agent of chaos known as Mr Punch…

M.A. Wardell’s TEACHER OF THE YEAR Out Now in the UK!

Posted on Thursday, June 5th, 2025

M. A. Wardell Week continues: the new UK paperback edition of TEACHER OF THE YEAR is out now! (North American edition was published on Tuesday.) It’s the first novel in the author’s acclaimed Teachers in Love series, and is published by Penguin in the UK. Here’s the synopsis…

Love: Not as easy as ABC.

They were supposed to keep things casual. Who’d expect they’d be schooled in love?

Those who can, teach. Marvin Block is one of the best kindergarten teachers out there. And despite his anxiety, Marvin’s life is sweet. He knows what he wants. And what he wants is the Teacher of the Year Award. Not just for himself – his school needs him to win.

Returning from break, the New Year finds Marvin all set to welcome a new pupil to his class. But when Illona walks in with her cute-as-hell single dad beside her, Marvin’s focus starts to slide.

Sure, his students always come first, but he deserves to have a life outside the classroom, too, right?

Education has always been Marvin’s world. And he needs to keep a cool head if he wants to win the award and save his school. But will it be worth it if he loses Olan in the process?

With Olan’s past and Marvin’s present colliding, their experiment in love hangs in the balance. Marvin knows what he wants out of life. But now he’s forced to consider what he wants out of love.

Will Marvin chalk the relationship up to experience? Or can they revise their story into a textbook romance?

Penguin are also due to re-issue Wardell’s MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS and NAPKINS AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS in September and October, respectively. (The eBook and audiobook editions are available now — in the UK and North America.)

Papberback Edition of Lavie Tidhar’s SIX LIVES is Out Tomorrow!

Posted on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

The new UK paperback edition of Lavie Tidhar‘s acclaimed SIX LIVES is out tomorrow! To be published by Apollo/Head of Zeus, here’s the synopsis…

SIX LIVES
Six lives, connected through blood and history, each rooted in the dirt of their inheritance, look to the future, and what it might hold.

THE GUANO MERCHANT
In 1855, Edward Feebes travels to the guano islands of South America to investigate an irregularity in the accounts of the House of Feebes & Co.

MOMENTO MORI
In 1912, post-mortem photographer and reluctant blackmailer Annie Connolly plots her escape from Ireland to America on board the Titanic.

THE COUNTRY HOUSE MURDER
In 1933, idealistic Edgar Waverley faces a choice of the heart when he becomes embroiled in a country house murder.

THE SPY
In 1964, hapless KGB agent Vasily Sokolov makes his career conjuring valuable information from worthless detritus.

ZABBALEEN
in 1987, actor Mariam Khouri looks back at Black Dirt, the movie that lifted her from the streets of Cairo.

NEW YORK
In 2012, Isabelle Feebes attempts to break with her poisonous heritage once and for al. Can she forge a new life for herself in the New World? Can you ever truly escape your past?

Here are just a few of the great reviews the novel has received so far…

‘Lavie Tidhar’s SIX LIVES is a magnificent matryoshka of a novel. Presenting six stories about fascinating individuals who are bound by blood and a shared desire to be free from the ties of birth, Tidhar’s writing is alchemical, smouldering with his characters’ passions, ambitions and frustrations as it shifts genres, from murder mystery to spy thriller, and more… Spellbinding and smart, measured and fierily evocative, SIX LIVES is an immensely satisfying achievement.’ — LoveReading

‘I was blown away… Despite covering subjects as diverse as the Victorian guano trade, the KGB’s Cairo operations, post-mortem photography and an Agatha Christie-esque English country house murder, Tidhar manages to brilliantly realise each one.’ — Jewish Chronicle

‘The work is a tour de force, showcasing the author’s versatility in entering the heads of such disparate characters in such disparate settings in time and place. Each story is beautifully crafted, sometimes light-heated, often tragic. If there is a theme, it is the precariousness of human life and the vanity of human wishes; poverty is bad but wealth seldom brings happiness.’ — Historical Novel Society

M.A. Wardell’s TEACHER OF THE YEAR Out Now in North America!

Posted on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

Today’s the day! M. A. Wardell‘s TEACHER OF THE YEAR is out now in a new North American paperback edition! The first novel in the author’s Teachers in Love series, it is published by Forever. Here’s the synopsis…

This steamy friends-to-lovers gay romance explores what happens when a kindergarten teacher falls for a student’s single father—while overcoming trauma and dealing with anxiety—perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Anita Kelly.

Returning from break, the New Year finds Marvin all set to welcome a new pupil to his class. But when Illona walks in with her cute-as-hell single dad beside her, Marvin’s focus starts to slide. Sure, his students always come first, but he deserves to have a life outside the classroom, too, right?

As their friendship starts to deepen, Marvin realizes Olan has the potential to teach him things about love he never thought possible. But with the Teacher of the Year award and his school’s future on the line, now’s not the time for anything complicated. Education has always been Marvin’s world. And he needs to keep a cool head if he wants to win the award and save his school. But will it be worth it if he loses Olan in the process?

With Olan’s past and Marvin’s present colliding, their experiment in love hangs in the balance. Marvin knows what he wants out of life. But now he’s forced to consider what he wants out of love. Will Marvin chalk the relationship up to experience? Or can they revise their story into a textbook romance?

Now with bonuses including a new epilogue and artwork of the characters.

Forever are also due to re-issue Wardell’s MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS and NAPKINS AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS in September and October, respectively. (The eBook and audiobook editions are available now.)