We are beyond excited that Martina Murphy’s compelling new Irish crime series has been acquired by Constable, an imprint of Little Brown. UK and Commonwealth (excluding Canada) rights were bought in a two-book deal from Caroline Hardman by publishing director Krystyna Green.

The series will follow DS Lucy Golden, an Achill Island native, who has recently returned to her atmospheric hometown from Dublin. The first title The Night Caller, is set for publication in August 2021 with the paperback following in January 2022.

In The Night Caller DS Lucy Golden investigates the murder of a popular local teacher after the discovery of a body in Doogort bog which shocks the close-knit community. With a husband in jail for fraud and an increasingly sullen teenage son, the last thing Lucy needs is a complicated murder case. When a further body is found, with links to a 20-year-old murder, the stakes are raised. Can Lucy put the pieces together, or will her family crisis mean the murderer can claim another victim?

Green said: “I am so excited to have signed Martina, whose writing I have always admired, to the Constable list. I’m just delighted she’s now decided to write gripping psychological crime fiction which is the genre I absolutely love. And the remote and beautiful setting of Achill Island makes the unfolding drama extra special.”

Murphy said: “I am thrilled to have signed with Krystyna and Constable Crime. I’m really looking forward to working with this wonderful team and introducing everyone to DI Lucy Golden and the stunning surrounds of Achill Island, a place close to my heart.”

Martina Murphy lives with her family in Maynouth, County Kildare. She has previously written general fiction as Martina Reilly published by Little, Brown and Hachette Ireland, and her novel Something Borrowed was longlisted for an IMPAC award.

You can read the full Bookseller article here.