DEATH IN FINE CONDITION: The Paperback Sleuth’s First Case, Out Now!


A DEATH IN FINE CONDITION, the first novel in Andrew Cartmel‘s new Paperback Sleuth series, is out now! Published by Titan Books in the UK and North America, it’s a must read for crime/mystery fans and especially those who loved the author’s Vinyl Detective series! Here’s the synopsis…

Introducing a new series from the creator of the beloved, bestselling Vinyl Detective novels.

Cordelia knows books. An addict-turned-dealer of classic paperbacks, when she’s not spending her days combing the charity shops and jumble sales of suburban London for valuable collector’s items, she’s pining for the woman of her dreams and nimbly avoiding her landlord’s demands for rent.

The most elusive prize of all, her white whale, has surfaced — a set of magnificent, vintage Sleuth Hound crime novels. Gorgeous, and as rare as they come. Just one problem. They’re not for sale. Still, that won’t stop a resourceful woman like Cordelia… One burglary later, the books are hers. Unfortunately, the man she’s just robbed turns out be one of London’s most dangerous gangsters, and now he’s on her trail and out for blood.

Cordelia’s best laid plans to pay the rent and woo the object of her affections start to fall apart, and she realises she may have placed herself in the crosshairs of a villain torn straight from the pages of her treasured novels.

The novel has already received a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly: ‘Cartmel (the Vinyl Detective mysteries) has never been better than in this darkly funny series kickoff centered on London bookseller Cordelia Stanmer, a former addict who has fallen in love with vintage paperbacks and has no scruples about how she’ll feed her growing collection… Cordelia is a memorable, devilish antihero, and Cartmel’s delightfully dexterous plotting bodes well for a sequel. Fans of Lynne Truss’s Constable Twitten novels will find much to love.’

The aforementioned Vinyl Detective novels are also published by Titan Books in the UK and North America — the first six novels are out now.

ICYMI: Ben Aaronovitch’s WINTER’S GIFTS is Out in June!


In case you missed it at the end of last week, Gollancz has unveiled all the details for the UK edition of Ben Aaronovitch‘s latest Rivers of London novella: WINTER’S GIFTS is the first to star FBI Agent Kimberley Reynolds, and takes the action to the United States. Here’s the synopsis…

THEY DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY ACROSS THE POND…

When retired FBI Agent Patrick Henderson calls in an ‘X-Ray Sierra India’ incident, the operator doesn’t understand. He tells them to pass it up the chain till someone does.

That person is FBI Special Agent Kimberley Reynolds. Leaving Quantico for snowbound Northern Wisconsin, she finds that a tornado has flattened half the town – and there’s no sign of Henderson.

Things soon go from weird to worse, as neighbours report unsettling sightings, key evidence goes missing, and the snow keeps rising – cutting off the town, with no way in or out…

Something terrible is awakening. As the clues lead to the coldest of cold cases – a cursed expedition into the frozen wilderness – Reynolds follows a trail from the start of the American nightmare, to the horror that still lives on today…

The novella is due to be published on June 8th in Hardcover, eBook, and audiobook (narrated by Penelope Rawlins).

To celebrate the release of WINTER’S GIFTS, Ben is also embarking on a UK book tour! Information and tickets can be found as follows…

Out Now: UK Edition of Alice Bell’s “fabulous” GRAVE EXPECTATIONS!


Alice Bell‘s highly-anticipated debut novel, GRAVE EXPECTATIONS is out today in the UK! Published by Corvus, here’s the synopsis…

Claire and Sophie aren’t your typical murder investigators…

Claire Hendricks is a hapless 30-something true crime fan working as a freelance medium. When she is Invited to an old university friend’s country pile to provide entertainment for a family party, her best friend Sophie tags along. In fact, Sophie rarely leaves Claire’s side, because she’s been haunting her ever since she was murdered at the age of 17.

When the pair arrive at The Cloisters it’s clear this family is hiding more than just the good china, as Claire realizes someone has recently met an untimely end at the house. Teaming up with the least unbearable members of the Wellington-Forge family – depressive ex-cop Basher and teenage reactionary Alex – Claire and Sophie determine to figure out not just whodunnit, but who they killed, why and when.

Together they must race against incompetence to find the murderer before the murderer finds them, in this funny, modern, media-literate mystery for the My Favourite Murder generation.

Fans of mystery and the supernatural will definitely want to check this out! The novel has already received plenty of great responses and blurbs…

‘Read this fabulous book — you will not regret it!’ — Ben Aaronovitch

‘Fast, funny and furious, this book has bags of humour, bags of heart and a proper murder mystery at its core’ — Janice Hallett

‘A delicious mashup of grisly murder, country house and semi-helpful ghosts – imagine a really cockeyed game of Cluedo heavily seasoned with whimsy … it’s a lot of fun’ — Stuart MacBride

‘Knives Out vibes with added ghosts. Fresh, funny and hugely enjoyable.’ — Catherine Ryan Howard

‘A great read, with great characters, lots of humour, some misty-eyed moments and lots of swearing. Utterly delightful – like the BBC show Ghosts mixed with Cluedo’ — Simon Toyne

‘This book positively lit up my weekends with its cosy, affectionate, funny, awkward brand of ghostly crime-solving. Perfect for fans of BBC’s Ghosts, Alice Bell has a keen eye for characterisation and the ridiculous, creating a story that will both send chills down your spine and wrap you up in a hug.’ — Ally Wilkes

‘Witty, addictive, and breathes some much needed (undead) life into the cosy crime murder mystery genre’ — Adam Simcox

The North American edition of the novel is due to be published by Vintage Books, on September 5th.

Ben Aaronovitch Long-listed for a CWA Dagger Award!


We’re very happy to report that Ben Aaronovitch has been long-listed for this year’s CWA Dagger in the Library Award!

The Dagger in the Library is a prize for a body of work by an established writer of crime fiction or non-fiction who has long been popular with borrowers from libraries. It also rewards authors who have supported libraries and their users through taking part in library events.

Ben is the author of the internationally-bestselling and acclaimed Rivers of London/Peter Grant series of novels and novellas — published by Gollancz/Orion in the UK; and in North America by JABberwocky (#1-3), DAW Books (#4-) and Subterranean Press (novellas). He is also the co-author of the Rivers of London comic series (published by Titan Comics).

The next book is WINTER’S GIFTS, a novella starring FBI Special Agent Kimberley Reynolds, due to be published by Orion in the UK, on June 8th. Here’s the synopsis…

THEY DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY ACROSS THE POND…

When retired FBI Agent Patrick Henderson calls in an ‘X-Ray Sierra India’ incident, the operator doesn’t understand. He tells them to pass it up the chain till someone does.

That person is FBI Special Agent Kimberley Reynolds. Leaving Quantico for snowbound Northern Wisconsin, she finds that a tornado has flattened half the town – and there’s no sign of Henderson.

Things soon go from weird to worse, as neighbours report unsettling sightings, key evidence goes missing, and the snow keeps rising – cutting off the town, with no way in or out…

Something terrible is awakening. As the clues lead to the coldest of cold cases – a cursed expedition into the frozen wilderness – Reynolds follows a trail from the start of the American nightmare, to the horror that still lives on today…

WINTER’S GIFTS is already available in Germany, published by DTV as DIE SCHLAFENDEN GEISTER DES LAKE SUPERIOR.

Check Out the Covers for RIVERS OF LONDON: HERE BE DRAGONS #1!


Last week, Titan Comics unveiled the three covers for HERE BE DRAGONS #1! The beginning of the 11th story arc in the Rivers of London comic series, it is written by Ben Aaronovitch, Andrew Cartmel, and James Swallow.

Issue #1 will arrive in stores on July 12th. Here’s the synopsis…

A dangerous monster is at large above the streets of London. And it’s name is… Wyvern!

After a Met Police helicopter on night patrol is attacked by an unidentified aerial phenomena, the Met’s only sanctioned wizard, Peter Grant, and his mentor, Thomas Nightingale, are called to investigate.

Peter and Nightingale find themselves drawn into a battle between two groups of hunters – one human, and one fae – as they uncover a legacy of events that extend back to the 1960s. To save the skies of the city, Peter must face the enraged beast – but can he end things peacefully… or will he be forced to destroy the last wyvern?

Series artwork is by José María Beroy, who also did Cover A (above). Covers B and C (below) are by David M. Buisan and Vv Glass, respectively.

The comic series is part of the overall Rivers of London canon, so if you prefer to follow stories in chronological order, here’s a handy graphic Titan Comics has created to help you out…

Simon R. Green’s NOT OF THIS WORLD Out Now!


The fourth novel in Simon R. Green‘s Gideon Sable series, NOT OF THIS WORLD, is out now in North America and in the UK! Published by Severn House, here’s the synopsis…

This might be his biggest coup yet! Legendary master thief Gideon Sable is on the hunt for the ghost of an alien-possessed man in this fast-paced supernatural heist thriller.

The Preserve in Bath – the British Area 51 – is the secret government dumping ground for all things supernatural and out of space. It is one of the most heavily-guarded places in the world. However, it’s not what protects it that makes it so dangerous but the things that are inside . . .

Gideon Sable – master thief, con artist and self-proclaimed vigilante – faces a challenge he can’t refuse. His client, the former Head of the British Rocketry Group, Professor Neil Sharpe, wants him to break into the Preserve. Once inside, Gideon and his crew of supernatural misfits can get any mystical artefact they desire out of the Preserve’s collection. The catch? To reach it, they must go through the treacherous Box Tunnel complex and not only face trained guards and booby traps but steal something that can’t normally be stolen – a ghost!

Sharpe’s obscure motive leaves Gideon uncertain and suspicious. The only thing he knows for sure is that he can steal anything with just the right amount of preparation – but will he be prepared enough to face whatever the Preserve holds, or will he find himself a permanent part of the government’s collection?

Severn House also publishes the first three novels in the series: THE BEST THING YOU CAN STEAL, A MATTER OF DEATH AND LIFE, and WHAT SONG THE SIRENS SANG.

‘A blast for urban-fantasy readers looking for a broken fourth wall riddled with dry-witted commentary, evil getting its just deserts, and the good walking away to fight the good fight.’ — Library Journal on NOT OF THIS WORLD

‘Master thief and con man Gideon Sable has a plan. He intends to breach the private vault of Fredric Hammer, noted bad guy, and rob him blind. To do that, he needs to assemble a crack team of professionals. But this is no ordinary team, because this is no ordinary London. This is an alternate London, wherein ghosts and demons and people with special gifts coexist with regular human folk. And Gideon’s team consists of former girlfriend Annie Anybody, whose gift is luck; a fellow known as the Damned (because he’s, you know, damned); the Ghost, who retains the memory of what it is to be a man; and the Wild Card, who sees all the truths in the world. Each of them has a score to settle with Hammer, and each of them is willing to risk plenty to get revenge. This novel by the author of the terrific Ishmael Jones series is a treat for anyone who relishes the blending of alternate-world fantasy, urban fantasy, and the caper novel. Exciting, witty, and stuffed full of fun.’ Booklist on THE BEST THING YOU CAN STEAL

‘[Green] gives an urban fantasy twist to Oceans 11.’ Publisher’s Weekly on THE BEST THING YOU CAN STEAL

‘This book is pure fun.’ — Grimdark Magazine on THE BEST THING YOU CAN STEAL

‘It’s a wonderfully imagined setting, which will be no surprise for those familiar with Green’s oeuvre. The Sable novels make perfect fare for fans of urban fantasy, thrillers, or caper novels (or, especially, blends of all three).’ Booklist on A MATTER OF DEATH AND LIFE

‘[F]eatures a crew of criminals with hearts of gold and one of the snarkiest antiheroes to ever front an urban fantasy series, turning the murder and mayhem up to 11 while telling a story where disaster is always just on the other side of the door.’ — Library Journal on WHAT SONG THE SIRENS SANG

Zeno represents Simon R. Green on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Ben Aaronovitch’s DIE SCHLAFENDEN GEISTER DES LAKE SUPERIOR Out in Three Weeks!


The German edition of Ben Aaronovitch‘s highly-anticipated, latest Rivers of London novella, WINTER’S GIFTS is out in three weeks! The book is published on April 20th in Germany by DTV, as DIE SCHLAFENDEN GEISTER DES LAKE SUPERIOR. Starring FBI Agent Kimberley Reynolds, here’s the synopsis…

Agentin Kimberley Reynolds arbeitet in einer Spezialabteilung des FBI, zuständig für seltsame, übernatürliche und schlichtweg okkulte Dinge. Nach dem rätselhaften Hilferuf ihres Exkollegen Henderson muss Reynolds abrupt nach Eloise, Wisconsin, reisen. Die Situation dort ist dramatisch: Ein Eistornado hat Stadtverwaltung und Polizeirevier in einen Trümmerhaufen verwandelt. Henderson ist spurlos verschwunden. Alles deutet darauf hin, dass er gewaltsam entführt wurde – von etwas, das kein Mensch war. Und unversehens hat Reynolds einen Fall am Hals, gegen den jede ›Akte X‹ wie ein Kinderspiel aussieht.

WINTER’S GIFTS is due to be published in the UK by Gollancz, on June 8th. (Details and cover still to come.)

AMONGST OUR WEAPONS Paperback Out Now in North America


The paperback edition of AMONGST OUR WEAPONS, Ben Aaronovitch‘s bestselling and acclaimed ninth Peter Grant / Rivers of London novel, is out today in North America! Published by DAW Books, here’s the synopsis…

There is a world hidden underneath this great city.

The London Silver Vaults — for well over a century, the largest collection of silver for sale in the world. It has more locks than the Bank of England and more cameras than a paparazzi convention.

Not somewhere you can murder someone and vanish without a trace — only that’s what happened.

The disappearing act, the reports of a blinding flash of light, and memory loss amongst the witnesses all make this a case for Detective Constable Peter Grant and the Special Assessment Unit.

Alongside their boss DCI Thomas Nightingale, the SAU find themselves embroiled in a mystery that encompasses London’s tangled history, foreign lands and, most terrifying of all, the North!

And Peter must solve this case soon, because back home his partner Beverley is expecting twins any day now. But what he doesn’t know is that he’s about to encounter something — and somebody — that nobody ever expects…

Effortlessly original, endlessly inventive and hugely entertaining — step into the world of the much-loved, bestselling Rivers of London series.

The Rivers of London series is published in North America by JABberwocky (1-3), DAW Books (4-) and Subterranean Press (novellas). AMONGST OUR WEAPONS and the rest of the Rivers of London books (novels and novellas) are published in the UK by Gollancz/Orion.

DEATH IN FINE CONDITION: this Summer, Meet the Paperback Sleuth!


This summer, we’re very happy to report, Titan Books are due to publish the first in a new series from Andrew Cartmel: DEATH IN FINE CONDITION, the first Paperback Sleuth novel! The novel is expected to arrive on shelves on June 6th. To whet your appetite, here’s the synopsis…

Cordelia knows books. An addict-turned-dealer of classic paperbacks, when she’s not spending her days combing the charity shops and jumble sales of suburban London for valuable collector’s items, she’s pining for the woman of her dreams and nimbly avoiding her landlord’s demands for rent.

The most elusive prize of all, her white whale, has surfaced — a set of magnificent, vintage Sleuth Hound crime novels. Gorgeous, and as rare as they come. Just one problem. They’re not for sale. Still, that won’t stop a resourceful woman like Cordelia… One burglary later, the books are hers. Unfortunately, the man she’s just robbed turns out be one of London’s most dangerous gangsters, and now he’s on her trail and out for blood.

Cordelia’s best laid plans to pay the rent and woo the object of her affections start to fall apart, and she realises she may have placed herself in the crosshairs of a villain torn straight from the pages of her precious novels.

Andrew is also the author of the acclaimed Vinyl Detective series, also published by Titan Books in the UK and North America.

Andrew is also the co-author, with Ben Aaronovitch, of the Rivers of London comic series, published by Titan Comics.

HERE BE DRAGONS – New Rivers Of London Comic Series Announced!


Last week, Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel announced the next Rivers of London comic series: HERE BE DRAGONS! Co-authored with New York Times best-selling author and BAFTA-nominated screenwriter James Swallow, you can watch a Forbidden Planet-hosted clip above.

The new series is set after the events of AMONGST OUR WEAPONS, the ninth and latest novel in the series. Here’s what Swallow said about the series…

‘Some say that a dangerous monster is at large over London. Some say that “Electric Ladyland” wasn’t the only thing Hendrix released into the wild, back in in 1968. Some say the Fey are hunting prey in the shadows. And some say only fools and bold, young coppers venture where the map warns “Here Be Dragons”!’

Want to read all of the Rivers of London books in chronological order? Titan Comics has created a new graphic with all of the books to date…

Titan Comics has published all of the Rivers of London comics in English, to date; Panini has published the first nine in German.

We’ll share covers, release dates, and more as this information becomes available.

AMONGST OUR WEAPONS Wins Listening Books Members’ Choice Award!


We’re very happy to share the news that the audiobook of Ben Aaronovitch‘s latest novel, AMONGST OUR WEAPONS has won the 2022 Listening Books Members’ Choice Award! You can watch the announcement, by Stephen Fry, above.

The ninth novel in the acclaimed, best-selling Rivers of London/Peter Grant series, it is narrated by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, who has narrated all novels’ audiobooks in the UK! Published by Orion, here’s the synopsis…

There is a world hidden underneath this great city…

The London Silver Vaults – for well over a century, the largest collection of silver for sale in the world. It has more locks than the Bank of England and more cameras than a celebrity punch-up.

Not somewhere you can murder someone and vanish without a trace – only that’s what happened.

The disappearing act, the reports of a blinding flash of light and memory loss amongst the witnesses all make this a case for Detective Constable Peter Grant and the Special Assessment Unit.

Alongside their boss DCI Thomas Nightingale, the SAU find themselves embroiled in a mystery that encompasses London’s tangled history, foreign lands and, most terrifying of all, the North!

And Peter must solve this case soon because back home his partner Beverley is expecting twins any day now. But what he doesn’t know is that he’s about to encounter something – and somebody – that nobody ever expects…

Effortlessly original, endlessly inventive and hugely entertaining – step into the world of the much-loved, Number One bestselling Rivers of London series.

Many congratulations to Ben and Kobna!

Ben Aaronovitch London Event Next Week!


Just a quick heads-up today: Ben Aaronovitch will be hosted by Waterstones Trafalgar Square next Tuesday (February 7th) for an event with C. K. McDonnell! This is a ticketed event, so head over to Waterstones’ website to reserve your seat!

Ben’s latest novel is the instantly-bestselling and critically-acclaimed AMONGST OUR WEAPONS, the ninth novel in the Rivers of London/Peter Grant series. Published in the UK by Orion Books, here’s the synopsis…

There is a world hidden underneath this great city…

The London Silver Vaults – for well over a century, the largest collection of silver for sale in the world. It has more locks than the Bank of England and more cameras than a celebrity punch-up. Not somewhere you can murder someone and vanish without a trace – only that’s what happened.

The disappearing act, the reports of a blinding flash of light and memory loss amongst the witnesses all make this a case for Detective Constable Peter Grant and the Special Assessment Unit.

Alongside their boss DCI Thomas Nightingale, the SAU find themselves embroiled in a mystery that encompasses London’s tangled history, foreign lands and, most terrifying of all, the North!

And Peter must solve this case soon because back home his partner Beverley is expecting twins any day now. But what he doesn’t know is that he’s about to encounter something – and somebody – that nobody ever expects…

Effortlessly original, endlessly inventive and hugely entertaining – step into the world of the much-loved, Number One bestselling Rivers of London series.

Ben Aaronovitch’s MOON OVER SOHO Available Now in Slovakia!


There’s a new Slovakian edition of Ben Aaronovitch‘s second Rivers of London novel, MOON OVER SOHO! Published by Slovart as MESIAC NAD SOHO, and translated by Oľga Kralovičová, here’s the synopsis…

V pokračovaní čarodejníckej detektívky strážmajster Peter Grant, učeň posledného registrovaného policajného čarodejníka inšpektora Thomasa Nightingala, vyšetruje brutálnu vraždu novinára v klube Groucho. Zároveň ho však zavolajú k mŕtvole amatérskeho džezového hudobníka Cyrusa Wilkinsa, ktorý údajne zomrel na infarkt. Lenže pri jeho tele Peter cíti vestigium – počuje klasickú džezovú skladbu… žeby jeho smrť spôsobilo čosi nadprirodzené? Uf… Peter sa opäť vnára do sveta nekalej mágie a rozširuje svoje čarodejnícke vzdelanie a schopnosti.

The novel is published in the UK by Gollancz, in North America by JABberwocky, and widely in translation. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Body and Soul. The song. That’s what London constable and sorcerer’s apprentice Peter Grant first notices when he examines the corpse of Cyrus Wilkins, part-time jazz drummer and full-time accountant, who dropped dead of a heart attack while playing a gig at Soho’s 606 Club. The notes of the old jazz standard are rising from the body – a sure sign that something about the man’s death was not at all natural but instead supernatural.

Body and soul – they’re also what Peter will risk as he investigates a pattern of similar deaths in and around Soho. With the help of his superior officer, Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, the last registered wizard in England, and the assistance of beautiful jazz aficionado Simone Fitzwilliam, Peter will uncover a deadly magical menace – one that leads right to his own doorstep and to the squandered promise of a young jazz musician: a talented trumpet player named Richard “Lord” Grant – otherwise known as Peter’s dear old dad.

Slovart also publishes the first novel in the series, as RIEKY LONDYNA.

The latest novel in the series, the internationally best-selling and acclaimed AMONGST OUR WEAPONS, is out now, published by Orion in the UK and DAW Books in North America.

Coming Soon: DIE SCHLAFENDEN GEISTER DES LAKE SUPERIOR by Ben Aaronovitch!


We’re very happy to share the details for Ben Aaronovitch‘s next novella, today — specifically, the German edition of WINTER’S GIFTS!

DIE SCHLAFENDEN GEISTER DES LAKE SUPERIOR is due to be published on April 20th by DTV, here’s the synopsis…

Agentin Kimberley Reynolds arbeitet in einer Spezialabteilung des FBI, zuständig für seltsame, übernatürliche und schlichtweg okkulte Dinge. Nach dem rätselhaften Hilferuf ihres Exkollegen Henderson muss Reynolds abrupt nach Eloise, Wisconsin, reisen. Die Situation dort ist dramatisch: Ein Eistornado hat Stadtverwaltung und Polizeirevier in einen Trümmerhaufen verwandelt. Henderson ist spurlos verschwunden. Alles deutet darauf hin, dass er gewaltsam entführt wurde – von etwas, das kein Mensch war. Und unversehens hat Reynolds einen Fall am Hals, gegen den jede ›Akte X‹ wie ein Kinderspiel aussieht.

The German edition of the book will actually be out before the UK edition, in celebration of Ben’s attendance at a German book fair. (More details to come.)

The UK edition of the novella will be published by Orion, on June 8th, 2023! (More details, including cover, still to come.)

Coming Soon: GRAVE EXPECTATIONS by Alice Bell


In May 2023, Corvus are due to publish the debut novel from Alice Bell, GRAVE EXPECTATIONS! Today, in addition to the cover (above), we can also share with you the synopsis…

Claire and Sophie aren’t your typical murder investigators…

Claire Hendricks is a hapless 30-something true crime fan working as a freelance medium. When she is Invited to an old university friend’s country pile to provide entertainment for a family party, her best friend Sophie tags along. In fact, Sophie rarely leaves Claire’s side, because she’s been haunting her ever since she was murdered at the age of 17.

When the pair arrive at The Cloisters it’s clear this family is hiding more than just the good china, as Claire realizes someone has recently met an untimely end at the house. Teaming up with the least unbearable members of the Wellington-Forge family – depressive ex-cop Basher and teenage reactionary Alex – Claire and Sophie determine to figure out not just whodunnit, but who they killed, why and when.

Together they must race against incompetence to find the murderer before the murderer finds them, in this funny, modern, media-literate mystery for the My Favourite Murder generation.

Fans of mystery and the supernatural will definitely want to check this out!