Simon & Schuster acquires Helen Jones' debut in two-book deal
Simon & Schuster UK has acquired Helen Jones’ debut in two-book deal. The books will launch a new Cardiff-set crime series set in 1972 and 2022. Katherine Armstrong, publishing director for adult commercial fiction, acquired world all-language rights from Judith Murray at Greene & Heaton. Rights so far have subsequently been sold in Dutch (Xander), Swedish (Lind) and Ukrainian (Nora Druk).
Set between Cardiff in 1972 and 2022, The Domino Man opens with a chilling unsolved case: six bodies discovered across the city, each decapitated and sewn onto a different head. Fifty years later, the mystery of the unidentified victim known only as the Domino Man is reopened by the Kendall Institute, a cold case unit led by former Wales scrum-half Wyn Davies.
The synopsis continues: “As the Domino Man case unfurls in all its intriguing psychological complexity, new recruit Anna Edwards finds herself at the heart of the investigation, helping her colleagues piece together the clues to a brilliantly satisfying crime-fiction brainteaser – all while the past she has tried to escape begins to catch up with her.”
Armstrong said: “From the moment I met Anna and the team at the Kendall Institute, I knew this was the start of something special. This is a brilliantly fresh and psychologically compelling cold case mystery, with a killer hook, a wonderfully specific Cardiff setting and a cast of characters who leap off the page. An extremely accomplished debut, and the beginning of a hugely exciting new series.”
Jones said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Katherine and the team at Simon & Schuster on my debut novel. From day one, their enthusiasm and vision for my work has been an absolute joy. As a Welsh author, I’m delighted to be able to shine a light on my home country, our wonderful people and culture, and add to the representation of invisible illnesses in fiction through my main character, Anna. I hope readers love The Domino Man as much as I’ve loved writing it.”
Murray said: “I love how Helen evokes the Cardiff setting so vividly, both now and in the past. And she also uses such a clever device to investigate a cold case crime, through the lens of the Kendall Institute, and its engaging team of characters, all specialists in their own fascinating fields, and with Anna at the heart of the team as its most intriguing (as well as newest) member. I was delighted when Katherine, with all her wonderful crime fiction smarts and experience, snapped up The Domino Man for S&S UK. And I can’t wait to see where Helen takes the series next.”
