Top Tips From The Fairy Queen
January 2012
Author of the popular 13 Treasures trilogy, Michelle Harrison, gave away some top tips on how to become a writer in a recent interview:
1) Read lots. As much as you can, and as widely as you can. You'll learn what makes a good story and what doesn't.
2) Write lots. Start with short stories, or write a diary/ blog. Get into the habit of writing- after you've written something, rewrite it and improve on what you have. Why not try entering competitions to spur you on?!
3) Keep at it; overnight successes are extremely rare and most writers get lots of knock-backs before having any luck... You need a thick skin to be a writer.
For the full interview
in Books and Writers JNR click here.
2011 Round Up
January 2012
It has been a record breaking, spectacular year at the Darley Anderson Agency!!! 
From fantastic deals for our debut authors to Bestseller List achievements both sides of the Atlantic, here are some of the highlights from the past year
Bestsellers:
Some of the fabulous and talented authors that have appeared in the bestseller lists throughout 2011 are: Chris Carter, Cathy Cassidy, Lee Child, Martina Cole, John Connolly, Jane Costello, Margaret Dickinson, Tara Hyland, Annie Murray, Lesley Pearse, Carmen Reid and Sean Slater.
Not only have DAA authors been bestsellers in the UK and across the Atlantic in the US but also all around the world including Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Germany, Bulgaria, Poland, Portugal, China and The Netherlands.
Some bestselling highlights include Lee Child being No. 1 globally with The Affair. Whilst earlier in the year Lesley Pearse was emphatically No.1 on the Sunday Times Hardback List, followed by the Paperback List, with her novel Belle. And Martina Cole, with her latest gritty crime novel The Faithless, went to No. 1 on the Hardback Bestseller Fiction List. And also achieved Martina her highest ever first week of sales.
Martina continued to reign Queen of Crime with the Hardback Christmas No. 1.
Foreign Sales:
World Clamours for Darley Anderson Debuts as written in The Bookseller.
The Darley Anderson Agency has enjoyed phenomenal success in 2011 thanks to the good work of the new Foreign Rights team, Clare Wallace (Rights Manager) and Mary Darby (Rights Assistant).
An Arabic World Rights deal was closed for Lee Child meaning that he is now sold in a staggering 95 territories and 40 languages.
And it appears that Germany cannot get enough of Tana French with all three of her books appearing on Bestseller Lists over the course of the year.
As well as the DAA established authors having great foreign sales and deals throughout 2011, our debut authors have also been picking up a lot of attention with fierce auctions, fantastic deals and high sales!
New authors C.J. Daugherty, Emma Garcia and Kimberly Willis have all picked up a lot of attention at this years Bookfairs with auctions being fought out at the table, including a high six figure German deal for C.J. Daughertys Night School taking place at Frankfurt.
Prizes, Nominations and Achievements:
John Connolly's The Infernals was named one of Kirkus' Best Fiction Books of 2011
61 Hours by Lee Child was awarded the Theakston Peculier Crime Novel of the Year
Loretta Schauer, one of DAAs very talented new illustrators, won the Waterstones Picture This Competition
The Vanishing of Katharina Linden by Helen Grant won a US Alex Award
Martina Coles novel The Take has been chosen as one of the titles for World Book Night
Margaret Dickinsons, Sons and Daughters was long listed for the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award, as well as the East Midlands Book Award
Faithful Place by Tana French is shortlisted for the L. A. Times Book Prize
The Gates by John Connolly was shortlisted for the Bolton Childrens Annual Book Award 2011
Border Flowers by Lucy Summers was shortlisted for the Reference Book of the Year Award
Helen Grant and Phil Earle were nominated for the prestigious Carnegie Medal
Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw was nominated for the Children's Winter Category of The Peoples Book Prize 
And finally, a couple of fantastic record-breaking facts
This year, Martina Cole became the first British female adult-audience novelist to surpass the 50 million sales mark since Neilson Bookscan records began. She is one of 15 authors to have achieved these incredible sales, only two of which are British.
And Lee Child became the fifth author to join the Kindle Million club- selling over a million e-books on Kindle!
Huge Congratulations to all of the DAA Authors and may your success continue and grow throughout 2012!
The Supreme Queen Of Crime
December 2011
Yet again Martina Cole sees off all competition to get the Christmas Hardback No.1 slot.
The likes of Steven King, Patricia Cornwell, Terry Pratchett and P.D. James fell by the wayside as Martina remained firm in her position.
The Faithless has set a new record, achieving No.1 five times this year in Hardback Fiction. The Faithless also gained Martina a personal record with her highest ever first weeks sales in Hardback.
Martina reigns supreme as the Queen of crime fiction and Britains most successful female crime novelist.
According to the Belfast Telegraph Martina's are The most borrowed books in prison libraries and the most stolen from shops!!
50 Million Congratulations
November 2011
Martina Cole has become the first British female adult-audience novelist to surpass the 50 million sales mark since Neilson Bookscan records began.
Martinas 18th Novel and the UKs current hardback No. 1, The Faithless, achieved Martinas highest ever sales in its first partial week, pushing her sales over the 50m mark.
There are only 15 other authors who are in the 50m club and out of these only two of them are British: Martina Cole and Terry Pratchett.
Some Statistics:
If you were to stack every single copy of Martinas books sold into a single pile, it would reach 183 miles into the air. And, laid end-to-end, the gritty bestsellers would stretch for 902 miles.
World Book Night
October 2011
Martina Coles novel The Take has been chosen as one of the titles for World Book Night.
World Book Night celebrates and shares the love of books and reading. On this second annual event there will be a gigantic 1,000,000 book giveaway across the UK, consisting of 40,000 copies of each of the 25 carefully chosen titles.
Alongside Martina, Jane Austen, Roald Dahl, Charles Dickens, Sophie Kinsella and Bill Bryson have also had their books chosen.
Criminally Good Sales
October 2011
Martina Cole has had her best ever first week of sales!
The Faithless has been flying off the shelves and after only three days Martina had sold well over 30,000 copies of her latest hardback.
The Faithless, Martinas 18th novel, marks the 20 year Anniversary of the No.1 bestselling team: Martina Cole, Darley Anderson, and Headline. On Wednesday 19th October a party was held at the Haymarket Hotel to celebrate the publication of The Faithless and 20 years of a superb partnership.
Along with TV and magazine ads, Headline have been promoting The Faithless by casting projections across central London bearing the eye catching slogan: THOU SHALT NOT GRASS.
Full of twists and turns, grit and grime this is a Martina Cole classic and a must have for all the Queen of Crimes fans.
Martina Cole with her Editor Jane Morpeth
The A Team: Martina Cole, Jane Morpeth, Darley Anderson and Tim Hely Hutchinson (CEO of Hachette UK)
Darley Anderson with Lavinia Warner (CEO of production company Warner Sisters)
The Faithless lighting up the Haymarket Hotel swimming pool
Rights Manager Clare Wallace (left) chatting with Financial Controller Rosanna Bellingham (right) and Rights Assistant Mary Darby (far right)
A Burning Desire To Read
September 2011
The Burning Soul, John Connolly's latest Charlie Parker novel, has been making appearances on hardback bestseller lists on both sides of the Atlantic.
As well as appearing on the New York Times Bestseller List in its first week of being on sale, John's 10th Charlie Parker novel debuted at No. 3 on the Sunday Times Hardback Bestseller List, and No. 1 on the Irish List.
The Burning Soul has been getting fantastic reviews:
"Connollys latest Charlie Parker thriller offers a powerful story line that weaves together suspense, mystery and a small touch of the supernatural... An intelligent, plausible thriller, both harrowing and memorable." Kirkus
***award Winner*** Picture This!
September 2011
CONGRATULATIONS to Loretta Schauer for winning the Waterstones Picture This Competition.
Loretta was picked from hundreds of aspiring illustrators who sent in their work to the competition. The prize is the chance to illustrate a version of the classic and much loved fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, re-written by bestselling children's author, Michael Morpurgo.
A panel of judges, including Michael Morpurgo, locked themselves away until there was a unanimous decision about who the winner should be. "We took hours deliberating, but believe we have chosen a worthy winner."
said Watersotne's Kate Skipper.
Beauty and the Beast will be published in Autumn 2012 and will be a Waterstones exclusive.
Sizzling Debut
August 2011
Congratulations to Carrie Duffy on the official publication of her debut novel Idol.
Harper Collins published on the 18th August and have secured fantastic promotional slots, including W H Smith retail, W H Smith travel, Asda and Amazon.
Carrie read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Trinity College, Oxford, before training as an actress. IDOL is her sizzling first novel set around the pop sensation Jenna Jonnson and the talented dancer Sadie Laine yearning to get her big break.
***award Nomination***
August 2011
Congratulations to Loretta Schauer, one of Darley Anderson's newest illustrators, who has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Picture This Competition.
Loretta is one of seven illustrators to be shortlisted for the prize. This year Michael Morpurgo has written the accompanying text- his own version of the much loved, classic fairytale, Beauty and the Beast.
To read more about the prize click here.
A Peculier Winner
August 2011
It's official. 61 Hours by Lee Child is the Crime novel of the Year.
Lee Child has been awarded the Theakston Peculier Crime Novel of the Year for his 14th Reacher novel.
Lee was one of six authors to be shortlisted for the prize. The line up also included Mark Billingham and Stuart Macbride.
Here is Lee's reaction when he won: "Oh bloody hell. You know when they say 'I didn't expect to win and so I haven't prepared a speech'? Well, I really didn't expect to win so I haven't prepared a speech! I really didn't expect this! Most of all I'll remember this by following P D James up onto the stagethat really does make it special. Thank you!"
Bestselling Belle
July 2011
Lesley Pearse paperback of Belle shot straight to No.2 on the pb Bestseller List with huge sales after only a partial week.
When released in Hardback at the start of 2011
Belle went to No.1 on the Sunday Times Hardback Bestsellers List. And remained in the Top 50 for 12 weeks.
Lesley Pearse has created in Belle a heroine for our times: a strong woman who stands up for right in a world turned bad:
London 1910. Fifteen year-old Belle has lived in a brothel in Seven Dials all her life, with no understanding of what happens in the rooms upstairs. But her innocence is shattered when she witnesses the murder of one of the girls and, subsequently snatched from the streets by the killer, she is sold into prostitution in Paris.
No longer mistress of her own fate, Belle is blown across the globe to sensuous New Orleans where she comes of age and learns to enjoy life as a courtesan. Yet thoughts of home - and the knowledge her status as golden girl cannot last - compel her to break out of her gilded cage.
But Belle finds escaping tougher than she imagined, for her life is threatened by desperate men who crave her beauty and attention.
Will courage be enough to sustain her? Can she make it back to her family and friends and find her chance at true happiness?
Double Dutch
July 2011
Carolyn Jess-Cooke has proved to be a hit in Holland.
Carolyn's debut novel, The Guardian Angel's Journal, has gone in at No.2 on the Dutch Bestseller List.
The Guardian Angel's Journal has been sold in 20 languages and was a bestseller earlier on in the year in Italy. Carolyn is currently working on her second novel.
If you would like to read an extract of The Guardian Angel's Journal please click HERE.
The Kindle Million Club
June 2011
*** Breaking News***
Lee Child has joined the Kindle Million Club!
Amazon.com announced the Lee is the fifth author to join the Kindle Million Club, only made up of authors who have sold over one million e-books in the Kindle store.
The elite club is made up of the incredible Lee Child,
Stieg Larsson, James Patterson, Nora Roberts and Charlaine Harris
The Greatest Player
May 2011
A devoted Manchester United fan, Darley Anderson was delighted to recently take on the representation of football writer James Leightons Biography of Duncan Edwards, the young Manchester United and England star who died tragically in the Munich Air Disaster.
British and Commonwealth Rights were enthusiastically snapped up by S&S for a good five figure advance by fellow Man U devotee Ian Chapman and new S&S Sports editor, Rhea Halford.
Speaking about Duncan Edwards, Sir Bobby Charlton, in a recent interview with the Daily Mails Jeff Powell, said this:
Ask me who is the greatest footballer the world has ever seen? Ask me who is the greatest footballer I have ever played with? Ask me who is the greatest footballer I ever played against? Same answer. DUNCAN EDWARDS. Dont ask me how much greater he would have become. It defies imagination. Whats bigger than a colossus?
Think about that. Then remember that I played not only with George [Best] and Denis [Law] but with Bobby Moore. That I played against Pele. They were truly great, but Duncan was the greatest.
Simon and Schuster plan to publish in spring 2012.
The Launch Of An Angel
May 2011
Carolyn Jess-Cooke launched her incredible debut novel The Guardian Angel's Journal, at the packed out Hexham Festival on the 7th May.
At the launch Carolyn, along with various other authors, spent the day signing books and talking to crowds of fans. On the day, it was also announced, that The Guardian Angel's Journal has been chosen as one of the Read Regional campaign.
Here Carolyn gives us a sneak peak at where she gets her idea's from and what's in store for the future...
How does it feel having your debut novel published?
It's wonderful to see it in the 'flesh'! I have a book fetish, so to be able to handle it and admire the cover and font and 'new book' smell is beyond words....
Where did you get the idea for THE GUARDIAN ANGELS JOURNAL?
I don't think an idea for a book is ever an easy thing to pin down. On hindsight I see many different experiences, curiosities and strands of thought coming together to create the idea for the book. When I was about 12 I wrote a novel called 'Teen Ghost' about a 12 year old girl who dies and comes back to watch over her loved ones - very Lovely Bones, only written (badly) by a 12 year old - and so there have always been portraits of death the afterlife appearing in my work. I've always been intrigued by angels, too, so that was a major factor. And I guess I was writing at a time when I was reflecting on my life, and what I would change about it if I could do it all over again.
How did you go about researching your book?
I did very minimal research, to be honest - I looked up some terms on heart disease (Google is my best friend) and on quantum physics, and I did try and read some other books on angels to see what else had been written on them. But the rest I left to my imagination.
What is your favourite book(s)?
Can't limit it to just one, sorry! 'Wild Geese' - a poetry collection by Mary Oliver - is definitely in my top ten, as is 'Soul Food', an anthology of poetry edited by Neil Astley and Pamela Robertson-Pearse. I adore 'The Life of Pi', 'The Time Traveler's Wife', and 'The Aeneid' - my list of favourites is actually very long...
What advice would you give to authors trying to get published?
Write for YOU, but research who you send your work to carefully. Make sure you address your query letters to an actual person, and check that that person is still working for the publisher or agency in question. See who else they represent - acknowledgments are great for this. Google them!
And finally, what can we expect to see from you in the future?
I'm currently working on my second novel, The Angel Behind the Door, due out next year, and have about three or four more projects to keep me busy until 2016...
To find out more about Carolyn, and her wonderful debut, visit her website: www.carolynjesscooke.co.uk
Daughter's Debut
May 2011
Tara Hyland had an extremely successful debut launch, entering the Bestseller's List after only one week of sales.
Daughters of Fortune, Tara's incredible debut novel, went to No.22 on the Paperback Bestseller's List after it's first full week of sales.
William Melville's daughters are heiresses to the world's most exclusive fashion dynasty. Beautiful and rich, they are envied by all. But behind the glittering facade of their lives, each girl hides a dark secret that threatens to tear their family apart... read more
On Tour With Jane Costello
May 2011
Jane Costello has just got back from Bulgaria, where she has spent three very busy days doing a publicity tour.
Over the three days, Jane did 13 interviews, five of which were on TV, two press conferences and two book launches. 
Bulgaria fell in love with Jane (who has been dubbed as 'the new Sophie Kinsella'), with one of their biggest women's TV shows devoting an entire programme to her and her amazing books at the end of the month.
"By all accounts Jane was amazing and has conquered Bulgaria" Clare Wallace, Rights Manager at DAA
***bestseller*** Jack's Been Worth The Wait...
May 2011
The Paperback of Worth Dying For has leapt to No.1 on the New York Times Bestsellers List.
Lee Child's 15th Jack Reacher thriller, published in the US on the 26th April 2011, reached the top of the Mass Market Fiction List in the New York Times after its first full week of sales.
"It's hard to imagine a single [human] who won't thrill to this latest Robin Hood fantasy of righteous vengeance."
—Kirkus Reviews
"A situation tailor-made for [Reacher's] blend of morality and against-the-odds heroics..."Publishers Weekly
Worth Dying For will be out in paperback in the UK in August.
Best Novel
April 2011
Faithful Place by Tana French has been nominated for a prestigious Edgar Award.
Faithful Place is one of five books shortlisted books for the 'Best Novel' Award.
Each spring, Mystery Writers of America present the Edgar Awards. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Gala Banquet. The Awards celebrate the very best in mystery fiction, non-fiction and television published or produced in 2010
The Edgar Awards are the widely acknowledged to be the most prestigious awards in the genre.
Tana won the Edgar Award for 'Best First Novel' with her first book In the Woods.
Winners will be announced on 28th April 2011. Click here for more information.
***bestseller*** Ahead Of The Race!
April 2011
After her first full week of sales Jane Costello's latest book has raced to No.10 on the Paperback Fiction Bestseller's List.
Girl on the Run is Jane's fourth book and is a superb read. Before the book even hit the shelves it was receiving fantastic reviews from anyone who managed to get their hands on a copy.
"I am a huge, huge fan of Jane Costello's... I was surprised by Girl on the Run, by how much I loved it because there’s always a nagging doubt that this will be the book that might not be as good as the previous ones, but for me, this was Jane at her best and I lapped up every page." chicklitreviews.com
Four white-chocolate Magnums. Three hot men. Two dress sizes. And one great big charity race... (Read more)
Click here to visit her website for competitions, more information, video's and to read more about Jane.
Runaway Success
April 2011
The first episode in the six part series of Martina Cole's The Runaway was aired on Thursday the 31st of March, on Sky1 at 9pm.
The series got off to a superb start. Here is what Martina had to say to Sky...
Were you pleased with the way The Take was filmed, and received?
Honestly, you couldn't ask for better. The way they did it was just terrific, and Tom Hardy was a brilliant new find as Freddie.
Sky 1 do great drama, I have to say.
Some of the other channels don't do that much original drama any more.
I'm sorry, I've got a first edition of Jane Austen in my library, but I'm sick to death of watching period dramas.
What do you think of the way The Runaway has been filmed?
It's got a great cast, it's fantastic.
I think Keith looks brilliant as Danny. I've known him for a long time, there was a big crowd of us years ago who used to knock about together.
I've always wanted him to play one of my characters because I think he's a great actor.
I did tell them I would love him to play Danny Dixon because I think he plays a great bad boy.
The look, and the way he talks, was just perfect.
When I write the books, I can hear the characters. People don't think that of authors, but I can see and hear the people in front of me which sounds a bit mad.
Where did the idea for The Runaway come from?
Sometimes I get the storyline first then I'll build a character around that, but often I'll get the character first.
Cathy and Eamonn came first for me. I liked the idea of what they were doing. I often take it from people's childhoods so you can see why they've become what they have. The Runaway's one of my most popular books because Cathy's had such a terrible life, and Eamonn's a piece of dirt really but you understand why he is the way he is. He's never going to trust anyone after the life he's had, and the trouble with her is she trusts too much. She's got an innate kindness. I wanted to do a long book, take someone through every stage of their lives.
And where did the idea for Desrae come from?
Honestly, who else but me would create this woman who's a man? It's mad.
Alan Cumming looks brilliant as Desrae.
I write about dysfunctional families. I just thought she was such a great character to write.
Desrae became Cathy's mum and her dad, and Cathy became Desrae's child.
In those times, a lot of big criminals were frightened of their sexuality. I think it was only Ronnie Kray who was happy to come out.
The attitude was still, 'You're a poof, you can't be that scary'.
It hadn't been long since it was all illegal and you could get in prison for being homosexual.
I liked Desrae. She came to mind as a sort of tart with a heart.
What sort of reaction do you get from the gay community?
When I did the signings after Runaway, hundreds of transvestites turned up.
One was dressed as Princess Di! That was a bit mad. It was like Madame Jo-Jo's was up and running again.
Then another one with dreadlocks came in with a rose and knelt and kissed my hand and said, 'I love Desrae'.
Everyone thought I'd done such a good job with him and that really pleased me.
It wasn't about him being gay or a transvestite, it was about him being a nicer person who genuinely cared and didn't want to see anything bad happen to Cathy.
That relationship lasted all their life, like mother and daughter.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I'm a news fanatic. I watch the telly news endlessly, I get every paper.
If I'm on a long flight I get Time and the Economist and all that.
I think the news is like the Bible, it's so outrageous!
The Bible has murders, floods, plagues, you've got it. It's the greatest story ever told and if you knock out all the 'begats', it's half the size.
I like big sweeping stories.
Really, all there is is in literature is a comedy, a history or a tragedy. And I like the tragedies!
DAA's Neapolitan
March 2011
The Fantastic Three!
In the third week of March New York Times Bestsellers Lee Child and John Connolly as well as debut author Carolyn Jess-Cooke all appeared on the Italian Bestsellers List.
Nothing to Lose by Lee Child was at No.3 in the Mass Market Bestseller List. Also on the MM list was John Connolly's The Loversat No.7. Whilst The Guardian Angels Journal by Carolyn Jess-Cooke spent its second week on the Foreign Fiction Bestseller List.
One On One
March 2011
In an Amazon exclusive, authors Lee Child and Kate Atkinson have been bought together and asked to interview each other...
Lee Child: This is the fourth Jackson Brodie book. It's starting to look suspiciously like a series! What brought you back this time?
Kate Atkinson: I never intended to write more than the first one -- which was Case Histories -- but I wrote it so quickly -- which was highly unusual for me -- that I somehow felt as if I hadn't finished with the form and the characters. And then it became the 'power of three' and I thought "one more" and then I found I had unfinished business for Jackson and it became four. I honestly don't know how that happened. There is something seductive about the shape of a detective novel, or at any rate of using a detective in a novel, because it gives you a ready-- made dynamic and a reason for introducing characters to whom interesting things happen as opposed to, say, starting with a whole load of people in a bank or an office and thinking so what are their stories, and what's going to happen to them? (Although, even as I'm writing that, I'm thinking oh, actually that sounds quite intriguing).
Child: Your career so far shows you're not afraid to write whatever you choose. It's as if you've been in and out of several different rooms in the house. Is that fun?
Atkinson: Yes! I get bored quite easily but also there are so many ways of writing out there to explore. To run with the house analogy -- I love houses and there are so many lovely ones that I'll never have a chance to live in because life is short and so is money. It's the same with different styles and genres of writing. I hope before I die I manage to write a romantic novel (because I never write any kind of romance) and I would love to be able to write a children's book, but I think they are the most challenging of all.
Child: Is it easier to write the Brodie books than the others? Or harder?
Atkinson: I found the Brodie books easy to begin with, and then very difficult to finish. I haven't actually finished with him yet but at the moment he's taking a holiday somewhere restful. I found the new book really hard but I think I'd just run out of steam with the character. I'm writing something completely different at the moment and it's amazing how much energy I have for it and what a relief it feels! I think the next time I re-visit Jackson it will be with that same kind of enthusiasm -- and he (and I) will be all the better for having taken a break from each other!
Child: You write about Yorkshire with a certain exasperated affection. You were born there, right?
Atkinson: I am actually a patron of the Yorkshire Tourist Board! I think it's true of everyone in exile -- I live in Edinburgh -- no matter how mild the form, that you have a longing for what you have left behind. I think the older you get the stronger that is -- not so much nostalgia, but a feeling that your heart is in another place. I may be kidding myself there and, like Jackson, there are certain parts of Yorkshire that I would never want to re-visit, but like him I think there are places in North Yorkshire that do mark it out as God's Own county. (I don't know why Yorkshire people are so fervently patriotic about their county!) My whole family is settled in Scotland so that kind of prevents me from moving back although I dream about that little cottage in the Dales, Aga in the kitchen, sheep bleating outside the window...
***prize Nomination***
March 2011
Border Flowers, part of the Greenfingers Guides, by Lucy Summers was one of four titles shortlisted for the Reference Book of the Year Award at the Garden Meida Guild Book Awards 2010.
Border Flowers, is the fourth out of Lucy's five Greenfingers Guide books. The Garden Media Guild Awards celebrates the best in garden writing - including books, newspapers and magazines - photography, broadcasting - TV and radio - and new media - including gardening website's and gardening blog's. They are known as the garden media 'Oscars'.
The People's Choice
March 2011
Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw is down to the final three for the Children's Winter Category of The Peoples Book Prize.
The People's Book Prize has three categories: Children's, Fiction and Non-fiction. The prize is broken up into four sections: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. In each quarter the 9 new titles which get the most votes (3 per category) will go forward as finalists for the annual People's Book Prize Awards.
Wintercraft, along with two other titles has won the Children's Winter quarter. Voting will soon begin to decide who the over all winner is and it is up to the public to decide....
Click here to read more.
***Bestseller*** Italian Favourite
February 2011
Carolyn Jess-Cooke’s The Guardian Angel's Journal has debuted at No.5 on the Italian Foreign Fiction Bestseller Chart.
After a week of extremely successful sales, The Guardian Angel's Journal went to the top of the Charts and Carolyn’s Italian publishers, Longanessi, rushed back to the press for a reprint. This is incredible for a British debut novel abroad.
Carolyn has already been dubbed the new Audrey Niffenger (The Time Travelers Wife) as well as one of Company Magazines ‘2011 Top Reads’!
The Guardian Angel’s Journal is published by Piatkus on the 7th April 2011.
When Margot Delacroix dies at forty-two years old, she is sent back to earth as a guardian angel - to herself. Renamed Ruth, she is forced by divine mandate to re-experience and record her biggest mistakes and fiercest regrets from the beginning of her life to her untimely death.
Forced from the moment of her birth to witness the cogs of fate and the stuttering engine of free will, Ruth sets out to change the course of her life, and, ultimately, to prevent her premature death. When she realises that the reasons behind her teenage son's descent into drugs and murder lay within her own actions as Margot, she makes a pact with a demon - she will give up her place in Heaven in exchange for the opportunity to save her son from his fate.
But the changes she makes result in consequences no one could expect...
Book Launch
February 2011
Tim Weaver had a successful launch for The Dead Tracks at Toppings Bookshop in Bath.
On 22nd February fans were invited to join Tim in celebrating the publication of his second novel. The Venue was packed out as fans enjoyed wine and listened to Tim talk about his experiences as an author so far.
A huge thanks to Toppings, Penguin, and everyone who supported Tim and made the evening such a success.
Click here to visit Tim's Book Page and read more.
***bestseller*** The Belle Of The Ball
February 2011
We are extremely proud to announce that the Sunday Times bestselling novelist Lesley Pearses new book Belle, is at the top of the charts emphatically at No.1.
Belle went in at Number 2 after only three days on sale. But after her first full week climbed the rest of the way up and clinched the Number 1 spot.
Not only is Belle top of the charts in the UK, but is also No.1 on the other side of the world in New Zealand.
This is Lesley's first book to reach No.1 on the Sunday Times Hardback Bestseller list.
This is Lesleys 19th book. It tells the incredible story of Belle, a fabulous heroine and a strong survivor. Set in the early 20th Century, 15 year old Belle is snatched from the streets of London. After she witnesses a murder in the brothel where she was brought up, she is forced into a world of prostitution in Paris and then New Orleans. Its a story of love, dreams and determination.
Not Such A Hard Graft
February 2011
A stunning production of Martina Cole's THE GRAFT has just opened to general acclaim at the Theatre Royal Stratford East.
The play has been directed by Ryan Romain and was adapted for the stage by Patrick Prior. Starring Marc Bannerman as Louis, and Sheryl Gannaway as Candice/Mel/Deborah.
The press have had a brilliant reaction to the new play:
"Martina Cole is the prolific best-selling writer of dark and gritty novels often set in the criminal underworld of east London and Essex. The Graft (which I have not read) is no exception" The British Theatre Guide
"I can't recommend it highly enough" The Londoner
The Graft runs until the 12th March 2011. Visit here to read more and buy tickets.
Crimefest: The Bloodier The Better!
February 2011
Crimefest: Where the pen is bloodier than the sword...
First organised in June 2008, Crimefest has quickly become one of the most popular and important dates in the crime fiction calendar.
The annual convention draws top crime novelists, readers, editors, publishers and reviewers from around the world and gives delegates the opportunity to celebrate the genre in an informal atmosphere.
Along side awards, dinners and workshops, Crimefest offers unpublished authors an 'in' with Pitch and Agent- organised by the Darley Anderson Agency's very own crime and thrillers expert, Camilla Wray. Along with Camilla, several top agents will be at crimefest Pitch an Agent giving aspiring crime writers ten minutes slots to pitch their manuscripts to them. Consider it speed dating for an agent!
This year Crimefest will be taking place from the 19th to the 22nd May.
To visit the Crimefest website, click here.
***Bestseller***The Whisperers goes off with a bang
January 2011
The Whisperers by John Connolly, published on the 20th of January, went into the Top 5 on the Paperback Bestsellers list.
Hodder, John's publishers, devised an exciting advertising campaign to coincide with his publication date. After its first week of sales The Whisperers is No.5 on the Paperback Bestseller list and No.6 in the overall official UK top 50 Bestseller list.
***Debut Novel*** Being Billy
January 2011
Congratulations to Phil Earle on the publication of his debut children’s novel BEING BILLY.
Being Billy has been picking up lots of attention and getting fantastic praise:
"Being Billy shows us the dark side of being a child in care. Phil Earle writes starkly but sensitively about damaged children in this brilliant page-turning novel. It moved me to tears." Jacqueline Wilson
"I thought Being Billy was a total page-turner - authentic and gritty. Once I'd begun, I literally had to read the whole MS straight away because I really needed to know what would happen. Billy's voice doesn't falter and he's a great protagonist - spiky, brave and compassionate." Jenny Downham, author of Before I Die
"Moving and powerful, I loved it" Sophie Mackenzie, Author
Being Billy was published by Puffin on 7th January.
What do you do when your new parents decide they don’t want you...
Faces flashed before my eyes. And for every face there was a time that they had let me down. Each punch that landed was revenge, my chance to tell them I hadn’t forgotten what they did.
Eight years in a care home makes Billy Finn a professional lifer. And Billy’s angry – with the system, the social workers, and the mother that gave him away. As far as Billy’s concerned, he’s on his own. His little brother and sister keep him going, though they can’t keep him out of trouble. But he isn’t being difficult on purpose.
Billy’s just being Billy. He can’t be anything else. Can he?
Congratulations
January 2011
Huge CONGRATULATIONS to the much loved Gloria Cook on the publication of her 25th Novel, Reflections.
Gloria has been at the Darley Anderson Agency for 17 years. Since joining the Agency in 1994 Gloria has been very prolific, writing well known and loved Cornish novels, including the Pengarron and Harvey sagas.
Reflections, published in December 2010, tells the story of Beth Tresaile who has been happily reconciled with her estranged mother for over a year and is looking forward to her best friend Kitty Copeland spending Christmas with them.
But Kitty's request that her brother Stuart join them throws Beth in turmoil - for Stuart and Beth were once lovers, and she lives in fear of her friend discovering her secret shame.
Stuart's arrival sets in motion events that even Beth could not have expected . . .
***Bestseller*** Germans keep the faith
January 2011
The extremely talented bestselling author, Tana French, is dominating the German Bestsellers List, featuring on both the Hardback and Paperback Lists.
Tana’s second book, The Likeness, which spent 14 weeks on the New York Times Bestsellers List, is No.2 in the German Paperback Bestseller List.
After a superb week of sales saw The Likeness shoot from No.10 in the German PB list up to No.3, then onwards and upwards to No.2.
On top of this wonderful news, since its publication, the strong sales of Tana's compelling psychological mystery Faithful Place, has guaranteed its place in the HB Bestsellers List.
This is a superb achievement for Tana and a first for the Agency in terms of Fiction sales in Germany.
Tana has been receiving thrilling praise throughout Germany for her gripping mystery books:
“Tana French is addictive” Cosmopolitan, Germany
“With her third novel Tana French gets even better once again.” SonntagsZeitung
“A dark, gloomy family and crime novel” Cultural Highlight of the month, Elle, Germany
“Tana French writes in a way that you just cannot put the book down” NDR Info
Celebrating Women's Fiction
January 2012
At a recent Books, Bath and Bubbles Party held by Pan Macmillan The Darley Anderson Rights Team, Clare and Mary, went along to celebrate all that's wonderful about womens fiction.
The party was fittingly held in the sumptuous surroundings of the Koi Karp lounge at The Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden.
Also in attendance were our wonderful, bestselling authors Annie Murray and Margaret Dickinson.
With the fantastic news that rights for Chocolate Girls and The Bells of Bourneville Green, two brilliant books by Annie Murray, have been sold to Turkey and Portugal and rights for Margaret Dickinsons Forgive and Forget being sold to Turkey, the Darley Anderson team had their own reasons to celebrate that evening!
Saving Daisy
December 2011
Carnegie Prize nominee Phil Earle is back with his brand new book Saving Daisy.
Watch the trailer below to find out more...
Best Book Of 2011
November 2011
John Connolly's The Infernals (UK title Hell's Bells) has been named one of Kirkus' BEST FICTION BOOKS OF 2011.
The Infernals is the fabulous follow on from John's YA book The Gates, continuing the adventures of Samuel Johnson and his dachshund Boswell.
"Bestselling thriller writer Connolly continues his change-of-pace saga of an ordinary English boy, his loyal dog and their encounters with demons and dark lords in this devilishly entertaining follow-up to The Gates (2009)...
...Brilliantly funny, often touching, with enough action to keep adventure fans on the edges of their chairs, this novel combines top-notch writing with cutting wit." Kirkus 2011
To see the full list and read the full review please click here.
***prize Nomination***
November 2011
Congratulations to Helen Grant and Phil Earle who have both been nominated for the prestigious Carnegie Medal.
Wish Me Dead, Helen Grant's third novel is also her third title to be nominated for the medal. Whilst Phil Earles debut novel Being Billy, which was published at the very start of 2011, is also nominated.
The Carnegie Medal is awarded annually to the writer of an outstanding book for children.
The Agency is extremely proud of both their talented authors for being nominated.
To read more about the nominations and the Carnegie Medal click here.
A Fantastic Fair
October 2011
With over 200 back-to-back meetings, Darleys Rights team have had a very busy Frankfurt. This year it was the Darley Anderson Agency duts that were really causing a stir. World Clamours for Darley Anderson Debuts The Bookseller.
German, Brazilian and Dutch auctions were all finalized at the fair for new young adult fiction writer C. J. Daughertys Night School, which included a high six figure German deal made by Clare Wallace, Rights Manager. The Rights team are now in the process of rounding up auctions started during the fair for Night School in Finland, Poland and Italy. Never Google Heartbreak, a hilarious dut by womens fiction author Emma Garcia, also proved to be a big Frankfurt Hit with auctions and deals happening over the week! 
All other DAA books and authors were attracting lots of attention and, despite the difficult economic climate, the fair was buzzing and all the publishers were filled with energy and excitement, looking for the next big bestsellers to snap up.
I absolutely loved my first Frankfurt. It was such a pleasure to meet so many amazing publishers and I cant wait for next year. Mary Darby, Rights Assistant
The fair was an incredible experience! Meeting with so many wonderful publishers is invaluable and handling translation rights for our fantastic authors is an absolute joy. Clare Wallace, Rights Manager
An English Affair
October 2011
Lee Child has swept the board in the English speaking Bestselling List with The Affair.
He is No.1 on the New York Times Hardback Fiction List; No.1 on the separate e-book list; and No.1 on the combined print and e-book list.
In the UK, he is emphatically No.1 on the Sunday Times Hardback Fiction List. He is the overall No.1 UK Bestseller in all the lists this week.
He is also No.1 in Australia. And No.1 in New Zealand.
A clean sweep.
And a unique achievement for a British adult fiction author.
Reacher Breaking New Record
September 2011
First day sales in in the US of The Affair, Lee Childs new Jack Reacher hardback and e-book, were a massive 83% higher than previous first day sales of the Worth Dying For hardback/ e-book.
The Affair also went to No.1 on Kindle and No.1 at Apple.
Congratulations Lee!
The Night Stalker
August 2011
Chris Carter's latest gruesome read went to No. 13 in the Hardback Bestseller's list after only three days of sales.
The Night Stalker is Chris' third novel and not for the faint hearted. All of his spine tingling tales, filled with chills and thrills, have been bestsellers.
When an unidentified female body is discovered laid out on a slab in an abandoned butcher's shop, the cause of death is unclear.
Her body bares no marks; except for the fact that her lips have been carefully stitched shut. It is only when the full autopsy gets underway at the Los Angeles County morgue that the pathologist will reveal the true horror of the situation - a discovery so devastating that Detective Robert Hunter of the Los Angeles Homicide Special Section has to be pulled off a different case to take over the investigation.
But when his inquiry collides with a missing persons' case being investigated by the razor-sharp Whitney Meyers, Hunter suspects the killer might be keeping several women hostage. Soon Robert finds himself on the hunt for a murderer with a warped obsession, a stalker for whom love has become hate.
A Fantastic Week
August 2011
Darley Anderson had a fanstastic week with two of his authors in the top 6 of the Mass Market Paperback Bestseller List.
Lee Child shot straight to No.1 after only three days of Worth Dying For being on sale. Whilst Lesley Pearse spent her sixth week at the top of the charts, at No.6, with her latest novel Belle.
Lesley Pearse has created in Belle a heroine for our times: a strong woman who stands up for right in a world turned bad:
On hearing the news, the Bookseller ran the story: Child's play for Lee as he tops charts and commented "Lee Child's 15th Jack Reacher thriller, Worth Dying For (Bantam), was the bestselling book in the UK last week, scoring impressive sales of 32,275 copies in just three days upon its release on Thursday." (Philip Stone)
All in all a very successful week in the Mass Market Charts.
Thrill Seeker
August 2011
Sean Slaters paperback debut novel, The Survivor, has proved a hit, reaching No. 8 in the Heatseekers List after its first full week of sales.
INTRODUCING THE INCREDIBLE DETECTIVE JACOB STRIKER
'Dying is easy, living is the hard part.'
In his first hour back from a six-month stress leave, Vancouver Detective Jacob Striker is called to St. Patrick’s High School. His daughter is truant again and Principle Myers has had enough.
Read more...
A Deadly Game Of Cat And Mouse
August 2011
The paperback of Sean Slaters gripping debut, The Survivor, has arrived- and is picking up superb reviews.
'Authentic debutA writer to watch' Daily Mail
'The USP of this energetic debut thriller is that its written about a Vancouver cop by a Vancouver copIn fact Sean Slater writes the sort of pacy superior pulp youd expect from an author whod never eaten a doughnut on a dull stakeout. Daily Telegraph
If you're looking for a thrill filled summer, stockist's include Tesco, Asda, Waterstoness, WH Smith High Street, Amazon.
This Summer's Racy Read
July 2011
This summer has seen the publication of J. J. Salem's risky, wild and sexy new novel, The Strip.
J. J. Salem lays bare the high-octane glamour and gritty reality of a world of Las Vegas where lovers and gamblers play to win.
'A racy read following three powerful Las Vegas women living in the glitzy adult playground and playing the dangerous game of sharing the same bloke... For some sexy escapism it earns its place next to your factor 15.' Heat
`That he understands women so well is also possibly a surprise. But, best of all, he doesn't just know his luxury goods, he can really write... The Strip follows on from last year's gloriously sexy and well-observed Tan Lines... Aside from some seriously sexy set pieces, JJ Salem has weaved together a plot more than a few thriller writers would be proud of. Top stuff.' Daily Mirror
Award Nomination
July 2011
Lee Child has been nominated for the Theakstons Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year Award.
There are a total of five books that have been shortlisted alongside 61 Hours. The winner will be announced on Thursday 21st July, at Harrogate Crime Writing Festival.
The Award was created to celebrate the very best in crime writing and is open to British and Irish authors whose novels were published in paperback between 1st January 2010 and 31st May 2011.
Wish Me Dead
June 2011
Helen Grant's thrilling third book, Wish Me Dead, has hit the shelves.
The funny thing is I never even meant the first one. Now I bitterly regret visiting the cursed witch’s house, deep in the middle of the forest. It’s where I made my wishes.
I wished Klara Klein dead.....It came true.
I wished for the most gorgeous boy in town to finally notice me... It came true.
I wished to be rid of the poisonous busybody who destroyed my family... It came true.
I didn’t mean for this to happen.
Not me, Steffi Nett, the shy one who never says anything. But as the body count increases with every wish I make . . .who else could it be?
Wish Me Dead is published by Penguin/Puffin.
The Terrific Two!
May 2011
Lee Child and Martina Cole have done it again, and are dominating the Mass Market Paperback top spots on both sides of the Atlantic.
In October 2010 we saw The Family by Martina Cole go straight to the top of the Hardback Bestseller list, where it smashed the fiction hardback sales records for 2010 and stayed at No.1 for 8 weeks. At the same time, across the Atlantic, Worth Dying For by Lee Child went straight to No.1 on the New York Times Hardback Bestseller List, where excited fans, who had been dying to find out what would happen to Jack, were getting their Reacher hit.
This incredible achievement for the Darley Anderson Agency, having two authors clinching the top spots on both sides of the World, was repeated again in May 2011. Both The Family and Worth Dying For had their paperback publications and have simultaneously both gone to No.1 on the Mass Market Paperback Bestsellers Lists. The Family by Martina Cole in the UK and Worth Dying For by Lee Child in the US.
Darley Anderson, who has the reputation as the best talent spotter in the book business, has Agented both authors since the very beginning.
Making History
May 2011
Thursday 5th May celebrated the republication of one of the bestselling, top historical novels of the late 1970s, The Chatelaine, written by Claire Lorrimer.
The Chatelaine is the first book in the Rochford Trilogy to be republished. It will be followed by The Wilderling in June, and The Dynasty in July.
These novels on an epic scale feature the lives of passionate and striking heroines and are set against a strongly drawn historical background.
The Women of Fire trilogy follow later in the year, starting with Scarlett.
Fabulous stories, brilliantly told, populated with captivating characters never go out of style. As an editor, its what were looking for in every submission we read with the hope that we find our own literary version of the LBD timeless and classic. Bookchickcity.com, Lucy Ike, Piatkus Editor
Inside The Mind Of A... FAIRY QUEEN
May 2011
In a recent interview with the Guardian, Darley Anderson magical children's author, Michelle Harrison talked about her first brush with Fairy Magic, her inspirations and her all time favourite fairy stories...
Michelle on her first fairy story experience: The first fairy story to have an impact on me was one invented by my older sister, Theresa. It was of a fairy who had been killed by a wicked witch and buried in our garden. The lack of a happy ending led me to wonder if it was true and, morbid child that I was, I dug in the flowerbeds in search of that fairy. After that I quickly became familiar with the usual tales of good fairies granting wishes and collecting teeth, and gradually lost interest, preferring stories of adventure, mystery, and ghosts.
Michelle on her inspiration: My interest in fairies was revived unexpectedly during a college illustration course. I discovered the art work of Arthur Rackham, Alan Lee, and Brian Froud. It completely changed the way I viewed fairies and prompted me to research deeper into British folklore. There I found stories of fairies that were deceitful, malicious even deadly. I knew I had to write about them, and I've been hooked on the darker side of fairy tales ever since.
Michelle's favourite Fairy Stories:
1. Faeries by Brian Froud and Alan Lee
2. The Merrybegot by Julie Hearn
3. A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
4. Poison by Chris Wooding
5. Cold Tom by Sally Prue
6. Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book by Terry Jones, illustrated by Brian Froud .
7. The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh
8. Heretic by Sarah Singleton
9. Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti
10. The Stolen Child by WB Yeats
Click here to read more about Michelle and the Thirteen Trilogy.
Inside The Mind Of ... A Dog Whisperer
May 2011
How /Why did you become involved with dogs?
The neat answer is that finding a disturbed and obviously unloved Border Collie on the road, when both of us needed each other, led to my training her to become a very skilful and confident working sheepdog.
Are you a dog trainer or a behaviourist?
Training a dog means hands on, living with, sharing and loving so if I were asked the question and an instant answer was required it would be I am a dog trainer!
For those that dont know, how would you describe the Graeme Sims Method?
First you have to acknowledge that the dog is a thinking creature and then throw away any philosophy that involves the concept of a master and servant relationship.
Start with the awareness that the dog does not use a spoken language to communicate either with its own kind or with us then look hard for how it does converse and use a language it readily understands. That is the nub of it.
Why is your method deemed revolutionary?
It appears to be too soft and impossibly easy.
They also teach the dog to come back after it has run away whereas I teach it before it does in order to avoid it ever happening. I would use a body language signal which is very close to the signal a dog would send.
International approval of my method came when Pfizer invited me, as their guest of honour, to lecture top vets from all around the world in Tenerife in November 2010.
Does your method always work?
Yes, I am delighted to say that it always does.
What advice would you give to writers hoping to get their idea/work published?
All I can say, from my experience, is that I had passion and a pretty complete knowledge of my subject. If I did not know it to be absolutely true, I did not write it down. Also there was a burning need to pass my method on because it would improve the life of dogs.
So my advice would be work harder than you have ever done and then get a really good literary agent I do know one if you need a recommendation.
To read Graeme's full interview please click here.
A Sinful Night
April 2011
UK publication of Hollywood Sinners by Victoria Fox (April 15th) went off with a bang at a "fabulous, foxy launch party", complete with signature 80s-tastic Hollywood Sinner cocktail.
Hollywood Sinners, Victoria's debut novel, has everything that you could wish for... and more: Sex, revenge, marriage and murder.
Scandalous. Glamorous. Sexy. Victoria Fox's sassy, sparkling debut puts the bonk back into bonkbuster! Written with humour, style and panache. Lovereading.
"Victoria's writing is a page-turning combo of sharp, funny and sexy, with characters and dialogue convincing enough to make you believe that the author has spent time hanging around with rock stars and movie moguls and casino kings (I don't know, maybe she has!)Hollywood Sinners is awesome. Like Louise Bagshawe, but cooler, Fiona Walker with more balls and Jackie Collins, only funnier."Novelicious 10/10
Visit Victoria Fox's website here.
Live Life To The Max
April 2011
Nadia Finer and Emily Nash wanted to love what they did, not loathe it. And so over a drink at the local, the idea that there is 'More to Life than Shoes' was born.
They set off on a mission to find the country’s coolest women (from neuroscientists to novelists, biologists to builders, and entrepreneurs to engineers)to get some advice and find out exactly how they made their dreams come true.
Nadia and Emily recently did a workshop at the Vitality Show (Earls Court) where they shared their newly acquired knowledge on how to kick start your career and therefore your life. They gave tips and inspiration to people who wanted to change their lives, and tried to help them realise their potential.
More to Life than Shoes was published on the 4th of April 2011. You can visit the website by clicking here.
How To Get Published!
April 2011
On Saturday 9th April Lesley P earse took part in a panel of four, giving tips and expert advice in a HOW TO GET PUBLISHED MASTERCLASS.
Peter James, author, Luigi Bonomi, Literary Agent and Jon Wood from Orion made up the rest of the panel.
Here is a list of pointers from the masterclass:
- Plot, Pace, Character and Research.
- Make sure you grab the reader from the very first page, and the very first line.
- Know your character.
- Develop a character your readers will care about as much, if not more, than you do.
- Trust yourself.
- Be passionate.
- Read widely and don't be afraid to disect and analyse books and why they work (or don't).
- Drama will grip the reader.
- Don't try too hard.
- Practice- the more you write the better you get.
- The ending is important. Make sure the reader feels emotionally satisfied- not let down.
Lesley's top two tips of the day on how to get your book published were:
Stick at it and believe in yourself.
A New Edition
March 2011
The latest edition to the Agency comes in the shape of Darley's 10 month old Birman kitten called Saint-Saens.
Named after the long lived French composer, Charles-Camille Saint-Saens. Saint-Saens the composer is remembered chiefly for works such as The Carnival of the Animals, which was not published in full until after his death in 1921- reportedly because he feared it would affect his reputation as a serious composer (whereas it actually ended up being the making of him).
Become The Next Victim
March 2011
Would you like to win a starring role in the next Robert Hunter novel.
The Executioner published in paperback on the 17th March 2011, has been offering readers the chance to become the victim in Chris Carter's next spine chilling novel.
The new thriller has the No.1 at Tesco as well as being at the top of the charts in Morrisons and Asda. The book is also on promotion at Amazon, Waterstones and WH Smith (Travel and High Street) among others.
Pick up a copy from your nearest bookshop and get in the running for becoming a victim...
New Publication
March 2011
The Survivor by Sean Slater published in Trade Paperback by Simon & Schuster.
The truth lies behind the mask ...
It's every cop's worst nightmare. Especially when his daughter's in the line of fire.
In his first hour back from a six-month leave of absence, Detective Jacob Striker's day quickly turns into a nightmare. He is barely on scene five minutes at his daughter's high school when he encounters an Active Shooter situation. Three men wearing hockey masks - Black, White, and Red - have stormed the school with firearms and are killing indiscriminately. Striker takes immediate action. Within minutes two of the gunmen are dead, and Striker is close to ending the violence. But then the last shooter does something unexpected. He runs up to his fallen comrade, racks the shotgun, and unloads five rounds. And before Striker can react the gunman escapes.
Against the clock, Striker investigates the killings for which there is no known motive and no known suspect. Soon his investigation takes him to darker places, and he realizes that not everything at Saint Patrick's High is as it seems. The closer he gets to the truth, the more dangerous his world becomes. Until Striker himself is in the line of fire. And the violence follows him home.
Sean Slater may be a real-life Vancouver cop, but he is also a first-rate thriller writer and a star in the making. Were truly delighted to have him on our list. Suzanne Baboneau, Publishing Director, Simon & Schuster UK
No.1 Heatseeker
March 2011
Massive congratulations to Margaret Dickinson on the success of her latest publication.
Forgive and Forget, published on the 4th March, spent two weeks on the bestsellers list and went to No. 1 on the Booksellers Top 20 Fiction Heatseekers List. Margaret's latest title was also part of WH Smith half price Guaranteed Great Read (or your money back) promotion.
Best Seller Opening
March 2011
Bestselling author Martina Cole has celebrated the opening of her new book shop in Karakum, Northern Cyprus.
Martina has named her shop 'Best Seller' and has stocked it with all the top titles.
Martina has some brilliant plans in store for her new shop to keep her customers entertained. Some of her ideas include bringing 'big name' authors over for book signings, organising evening events, children's book clubs and story time sessions.
***Bestseller*** Spreading Whispers
February 2011
The Whisperers by John Connolly has leapt up a place in the paperback Bestseller List.
After a second full week of superb sales John's latest Charlie Parker supernatural thriller has leapt up to No.4 in the Bestseller list, from its previous position at No.5.
This isn't the first time The Whisperers has made an appearance on a Bestseller List. In 2010 the novel spent a thrilling 8 weeks on the Bestselling Hardback Fiction List, and spent time on the New York Times Bestseller List.
Click here to visit John Connolly's book page and read more about Charlie Parker and his spine tingling novels.
Prize Nomination
February 2011
Faithful Place by Tana French has been shortlisted for the L. A. Times Book Prize.
Faithful Place is one of five finalists for the Mystery/Thriller Prize. The winner will be announced on the 29th April at the L. A. Times Book Festival.
One of Tanas competitors for the prize is Stuart Neville, who won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in the same category in 2009.
To read more about the Festival and the Finalists then please click here.
Killer New Novel
February 2011
Tim Weaver is back with his second, terrifying novel, The Dead Tracks.
A serial killer more terrifying than you could ever imagine . . .
Seventeen-year-old Megan Carver was an unlikely runaway. A straight-A student from a happy home, she studied hard and rarely got into trouble. Six months on, shes never been found.
Missing persons investigator David Raker knows what its like to grieve. He knows the shadowy world of the lost too. So, when hes hired by Megans parents to find out what happened, he recognizes their pain but knows that the darkest secrets can be buried deep.
And Megans secrets could cost him his life.
Because as Raker investigates her disappearance, he realizes everything is a lie. People close to her are dead. Others are too terrified to talk. And soon the conspiracy of silence leads Raker towards a forest on the edge of the city. A place with a horrifying history which was once the hunting ground for a brutal, twisted serial killer.
A place known as the Dead Tracks. . .
The Dead Tracks is published on Thursday 3rd February 2011 by Penguin.
***award Nomination***
February 2011
The Gates by John Connolly has been shortlisted for the Bolton Childrens Annual Book Award 2011.
The Gates is one of six books on the shortlist this year. Previous years winners have included bestselling childrens authors Robert Muchamore (The Cherub series), Joe Craig (Jimmy Coates series) and Derek Landy (Skulduggery series).
This will be the seventh annual Bolton Childrens Book Award. It has proved to be a huge hit with the Children from local schools acting as judges.
Children age 11 to 14 from across Bolton take part in deciding the winner. They have until the end of May to read the books and choose their favourite. The award ceremony itself will be in June at the University of Bolton who sponsor the event.
Retribution, the apocalypse and a Viking funeral are just some of the interesting themes from this year's shortlisted titles for the Bolton Children's Book Awards 2011.
***Bestseller*** triple hit
January 2011
Germany can’t get enough of Tana French with all three of her books featuring on their Bestseller Lists.
The Likeness is holding it’s own at No.3 on the Mass Market list, where it has spent four weeks since is publication. Tana’s first novel, In the Woods, published in Germany back in 2008, has just reappeared in the extended list. And Faithful Place, Tana’s most recent book, is at no.21 on the hardback list.
Click here to read more about Tana’s books.
Deceptively Original
January 2011
January 2010 saw the publication of Rebecca Shaw’s 21st novel, which propelled its way straight into the charts.
A Village Deception, published on the 11th January, went to No.13 on the Top 20 Original Fiction List.
This is the 15th of Rebecca’s novels to be set in the wonderful village of Turnham Malpas, helping to make up the long running series.
Rebecca originally qualified as a teacher of deaf children and began her writing career after the last of her four children left home. Rebecca has been at the Darley Anderson Agency for over 15 years. She is hugely talented and much loved.
Click here to read more about Rebecca and A Village Deception.
***Prize Winner*** Congratulations Helen Grant
January 2011
We are thrilled to announce that The Vanishing of Katharina Linden by Helen Grant has won a US Alex Award!
The Alex Awards are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18. The winning titles are selected from the previous year's publishing.
Alongside Helen’s US debut novel The Vanishing of Katharina Linden, other winners include The House of Tomorrow by Peter Bognanni, Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue and Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard by Liz Murray
*** Award Nominations***
January 2011
Margaret Dickinson’s captivating 2010 bestselling novel Sons and Daughters has been long listed for two awards.
Sons and Daughters made the long list for the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award, as well as the East Midlands Book Award.
Margaret’s 25th book, Sons and Daughters, proved a huge hit of 2010 going to No6 in the Bookseller Top 20 Fiction Heatseekers list and at No.39 on the overall Bestsellers list.
The RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award shortlist will be announced on February 10th 2011. Last year, two Darley Anderson authors walked away from the RNA Awards with prizes; Jane Costello received the Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year Award for The Nearly-Weds and Nell Dixon picked up the ‘Love Story of the Year’ award for her novel Animal Instincts.
The East Midlands Book Award is a brand new, independent, annual award taking place this year. It gives an award to the best book of 2010 by authors living in the East Midlands. The shortlist for this will be announced in April.
Keep an eye out on our news page for more information. Or visit Margaret’s website by clicking here.
***Bestseller*** Emphatically the nations favourite
January 2011
The Family by Martina Cole is emphatically the No.1 selling fiction hardback title for 2010.
Martina’s 17th powerful and gritty novel was head and shoulders above the rest when it rocketed into the top spot after it’s publication on 14th of October 2010.
The title spent a magnificent 8 weeks at No.1 smashing all the Hardback Fiction Bestseller records for 2010.
It has been a fantastic year. The Family has been the only hardback title to break the barrier of 150,000 sales, and therefore the only hb title to exceed 200,000 sales.
With these superb sales not only is The Family No.1 Hardback Fiction Title of 2010, but is also No.1 on the Top 20 Original Fiction list.
The Sunday Times printed the ‘bestsellers of the year list’ on 26th December 2010 from information provided by Neilson BookScan. Other titles that made the list behind Martina included Sophie Kinsella’s Mini Shopaholic and Jump by Jilly Cooper.