Thomas & Mercer acquires new series by David J Gatward
Thomas & Mercer has acquired a new series by David J Gatward.
Senior editor Bekah Pickering acquired world all-language rights from Marissa Constantinou of Northbank Talent Management. The first two books will publish in 2027, with the third publishing in 2028.
Gatward is the author of two self-published crime series: the DCI Harry Grimm Crime Thrillers, set in Yorkshire, and the DI Haig Crime Thrillers, set in Somerset. He has also written numerous books for children, teenagers and young adults, and brings a broad professional background across the publishing industry to his work.
"The Shepherd series follows Sam Metcalfe, a former undercover police officer who returns to the Yorkshire Dales after an operation goes catastrophically wrong, leaving four dead," the synopsis says. "Haunted by the disaster, Sam must navigate a community that never forgave him for leaving, a father who can’t look him in the eye, and a past that has followed him home, as the very people he infiltrated work to destroy everything around him."
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Gatward said: "I’m absolutely made up to be working with Thomas & Mercer. Firstly, I’m thrilled to be working on a new project with a team that really gets how I currently work as an indie author. And secondly, the Shepherd books will allow me to bring a darker edge to my love of the Yorkshire Dales, where the landscape itself is as much a character as those who walk the pages of my books."
Pickering added: "I’m excited to bring David J Gatward’s Shepherd series to Thomas & Mercer. David is a phenomenally talented author with a deep understanding of both his stories and his fans, and I could not be happier to be coming alongside him as his star continues to rise with this brilliant and atmospheric new series. I can’t wait to help even more crime fans discover his gripping, morally complex storytelling."
Michael Buchsteiner, senior manager at Amazon Books Europe, said: "David’s success as an indie author demonstrates the incredible talent thriving in UK crime fiction today. This deal with Thomas & Mercer represents an exciting evolution in his career, bringing his atmospheric Yorkshire-set stories to an even wider audience across Europe and beyond. We’re delighted to support authors like David who have built such strong connections with readers through their compelling storytelling."
