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Pan Macmillan snaps up new crime series from award-winning Jeffrey Boakye
Pan Macmillan has signed two novels from Jeffrey Boakye, the award-winning broadcaster, journalist, educator and author of books including I Heard What You Said (Picador).
Raphaella Demetris acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, including Canada, from Sarah Such at the Sarah Such Literary Agency. The first book in the Faith Amponsah crime series is scheduled for release in 2027.
It will introduce readers to Faith, a devout Ghanaian immigrant and devoted mother working as a cook for the Metropolitan Police Service. The synopsis reads: “When a startling kitchen discovery propels Faith into a world of crime, she finds herself facing dangerous underworlds on top of deceitful husbands, rebellious children and long-buried secrets from her homeland. Can Faith handle the heat as everything in her life comes to a boil?”
Demetris said: “The moment this manuscript arrived in my inbox, I knew it was something special. Jeffrey has an extraordinary talent for transforming complex issues into narratives that are both engaging and accessible, and it’s wonderful to see the themes central to his work now explored in adult fiction.
“Faith is an underestimated yet formidable protagonist, confronting life’s challenges with fortitude, wisdom and wit and the narrative masterfully entwines a gripping mystery with poignant moments and comedic relief. This book truly has it all, and we are delighted to welcome Jeffrey to the Pan Fiction list.”
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Boakye said: “It’s hard to convey just how thrilled I am to be introducing my debut crime fiction to the world, with none other than Pan Macmillan at the helm. The Faith Amponsah series marks a new chapter in crime fiction and I’m beyond excited over the ability, insights and enthusiasm of the Macmillan team in bringing Faith and her adventures to light. Faith is a force of nature who will be tested beyond her limits, representing not only strength and resilience but also ingenuity and wit in the face of adversity. A recognisable matriarch to many, but a sleuth like no one has seen before.
“Joining the Pan Fiction list is not only a career defining moment, but one which I know will offer new angles and dimensions to the existing catalogue. With Macmillan’s extensive expertise and my fresh take on the crime genre, this is something we can all get excited about. Can’t wait.”
Such describes Boakye as an “immensely talented writer, fantastic storyteller and charismatic author”. “In Faith Amponsah he has created a tremendous, contemporary amateur sleuth with great heart, like no other. Pan Macmillan’s success at launching UK crime and thriller writers is renowned,” she said.
“Raphaella Demetris and all the team at Pan Macmillan could not have made a stronger, more thoughtful pitch with publishing plans that recognise the full potential for Jeffrey’s unique, entertaining and accessible crime debut. I’m excited to see it fly and am so delighted about this deal.”
