Sunday 10 February 2008

Crime in North London




It’s a bit like buses. Nothing for ages, then two turn up at once. First I had had an email to tell me that Macmillan had sold the US rights to Herring Seller ­– the New York based crime specialists Felony and Mayhem will be publishing it in late 2008 or early 2009. Then within an hour or so another email from Will saying that MNW had accepted my second novel – provisionally, but not definitively, entitled Reality Check – scheduled for publication in March 2009 (i.e. just after Doug’s).

I celebrated with a couple of purchases of high quality crime fiction. On Thursday I went to Waterstone’s in Hampstead to listen to Roger Morris and other crime writers (Frank Tallis, Andrew Martin, Lee Jackson) being interviewed on their work, including Roger’s new book, A Vengeful Longing. Contrary to the predictions on his blog, Roger seemed calm and relaxed, in a way that I’m not when being interviewed. It was a good evening. If you haven’t read Roger’s previous books, by the way, I would strongly recommend them. Taking Comfort is a really original book, full of ideas that I wish I had thought of myself! A Gentle Axe, set in C19th St Petersburg, is memorable and atmospheric, with plenty of good twists in the plot. I now also have a copy of A Vengeful Longing, which looks set to be every bit as good. Then, on Saturday, I dropped into Goldsboro Books and picked up a copy of Aliya’s Light Reading. I’m looking forward to reading that too, when I can get it back from the rest of the family!

8 comments:

no said...

Huge congrats twice, Len! I'm having a glass of wine on the strength of that tonight, being a celebration junkie. Hope you enjoy the book.

Alis said...

Many congratulations Len. Here's to major success in the USA!

David Isaak said...

Outstanding! Let us know when you get a firm US pub date.

Eliza Graham said...

MEGA CONGRATULATIONS on both counts, Len! Very much deserved. I hope champagne has been taken.

Tim Stretton said...

Excellent news, Len. Whoever said the Yanks don't understand British humour?

I'm delighted to hear you have another book accepted. I'll clear the decks for early next year!

mattfwcurran.com Web Admin said...

Fantastic news, Len! Here's to many more foreign right's deals!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Len! Nice to see your "up" continues its "upping" and that you are now getting that novel to an even wider audience.

Herring Seller is, above all, so much fun! A lovely read and full of laughs. Long may it rain down on any continent worthy of an appreciative downpour of fun reading!

Roger Morris said...

Many Congratulations, Len, and thanks for coming along the other night. It was great to see you and Anne. Very nice of you to mention it in your post too.