I have a publisher!

I am thrilled to bits to be able to say that Headline will be publishing my first two crime novels.

SOMEONE ELSE'S SKIN will be published in the UK in February 2014. LONG GONE will follow in 2015, with a third book also optioned. With thanks to my lovely agent, Jane Gregory, and her fabulous team for keeping the faith. If you've been following this blog for any length of time, you will know that I have been chasing this prize for some time. The pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place this week, and I couldn't be happier. More to follow soon! The image, by the way, is of the Udumbara - that miraculous flower found under a nun's washing machine on Lushan Mountain in China. Isn't it astounding?

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Entries for Flashbang 2013 are now open!

Flashbang is a writing contest sponsored by CrimeFest, who are providing the first prize of two free passes, as well as other top prizes. Hersilia Press is sponsoring the third prize: four of their Italian crime books.

Flashbang gives eight lucky writers the chance to be published on websites read by crime buffs the world over. All the details of how to enter and what’s up for grabs, can be found here, together with tips from the judges on what they’re after in a winning entry.

NB: Flashbang was devised by writers for writers, and is administrated and judged by writers. Hurray!

If you're after inspiration, take a look at the winning stories from 2012, including the outstanding Search History by Iain Rowan, which scooped the top prize.

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My favourite crime discoveries of 2012

My favourites are up at Eurocrime today, both TV dramas.

Good Cop blew me away, and made me even more eager to see Warren Brown return in Luther this year.

Bletchley Circle has a second series in production, which is great news.

My Top Five Crime Reads of 2012 will be up at Eurocrime shortly. It was a good year for crime. Those narrowly missing my Top Five include Kind of Cruel by Sophie Hannah, and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Here's a sneak preview:

1. The Wicked Girls by Alex Marwood - my review is here
 

2. Finders Keepers by Belinda Bauer - my review here

3. To Love and Be Wise by Josephine Tey - an author I rediscovered last year, who reminded me how wit and humour in crime can pay huge dividends
 

4. What Lies Within by Tom Vowler - my review coming shortly over at Eurocrime
 

5. Hanging Hill by Mo Hayder - my review is here


Please link me to other top lists for 2012!

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