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Pan Macmillan has signed four new novels from crime writer Ann Cleeves.
Catherine Richards acquired UK & Commonwealth rights for two books in the Vera series and two in the Shetland series from literary agent Sara Menguc.
The news comes ahead of the premiere of the BBC’s adaptation of the Shetland series, which will start tomorrow (March 11th) starring Douglas Henshall as Detective Jimmy Perez. The series is based on the series novels Raven Black, Dead Water and Blue Lightning (all published by Pan).
ITV will begin showing the fourth series of its adaptation of the Vera novels, starring Brenda Blethyn, later this spring.
Richards said: “With two crime series on two prime-time channels – as well as a new Shetland novel, Thin Air, publishing in the autumn – this is a very special year for Ann.”
Menguc said: “We’re delighted to be concluding a contract with Macmillan for four new books in a year which will see publication of two outstanding new novels by Ann in the UK, simultaneously with her wonderful fictional characters DI Vera Stanhope and Detective Jimmy Perez being realised brilliantly in two very distinctive prime-time TV series.
“This success is mirrored by her growing international profile, with publication in many different languages and territories.”
Macmillan will publish the four new novels in hardback and paperback over the next four years.
Cleeves' sales through Nielsen BookScan thus far total nearly 168,500 copies, with a total sales value of £1.18m. Her single bestseller is Raven Black (nearly 23,000 copies).