Canelo acquires historical fiction debut from Sunday Times bestseller Paul Finch

Credit: Eleanor Finch

Canelo will publish three historical fiction titles from Sunday Times bestselling author Paul Finch, writing as P.W. Finch. Commissioning Editor Craig Lye acquired World English Language rights from Kate Burke at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency in a three-book deal.

The novels will be published as a standalone and a duology. The standalone, provisionally titled WOLFHEAD, is set in Northumbria in 1066. When seventeen-year-old Cerdic’s father and brother fall in battle against the invading Earl Tostig and his Viking ally, Harald Hardraada, he briefly becomes Earl of Ripon before the town is seized by the raiders. On the run and fearing for his life, Cerdic must fight to reclaim his birthright.

The duology is set at the end of the 12th century, and follows the adventures of Thurstan Wildblood, a knight who journeys back to England from the Third Crusade, transporting a precious relic at the behest of Richard the Lionheart, and desperately hoping to redeem his soul in the process.

Craig Lye says: ‘I was absolutely delighted to hear that Paul was looking to write historical fiction alongside his superb thrillers. I devoured WOLFHEAD on submission; its pacing is relentless, and Paul’s characterisation and lightly worn historical knowledge are brilliant.’

Paul Finch says: ‘What can I say … I’ve always loved the Middle Ages, especially as a setting for full-on action/adventure fiction. I’m an avid reader of historical action novels, and have been dying to get in there as a writer, to spin some yarns of my own. Canelo have now made that possible.’

Kate Burke says: ‘I'm delighted to have this deal in place with Craig and the Canelo team. This second strand of Paul's publishing is a really exciting one and I'm looking forward to publication next year!’

WOLFHEAD will be published in April 2023 in mass-market paperback and ebook, with the duology to follow in 2024.

About Paul Finch

Paul Finch is an ex-cop and journalist turned author. He is the author of the bestselling Mark Heckenburg and Lucy Clayburn crime series (published by Avon/HarperCollins) as well as standalone thrillers ONE EYE OPEN and NEVER SEEN AGAIN (Orion). Paul lives in Lancashire with his wife and business partner, Cathy.

Praise for Paul Finch

‘Exceptional crime writing. Paul Finch continues to raise the bar.’ – M.W. Craven

‘Edge-of-the-seat reading…Heck is formidable – a British Alex Cross.’ – The Sun

‘Wonderfully dark and peppered with grim humour. Finch is a born storyteller and writes with the authentic voice of the ex-copper he is.’ – Peter James

‘Big star…part edge-of-the-seat, part hide-behind-the-sofa! An excellent series.’ – The Bookseller

Visit Paul's blog. 

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Headline to publish two more novels from bestselling author Sheila O’Flanagan

Credit: Bill Waters

Headline Publishing Group will publish two more novels from multi-million-copy-selling author Sheila O’Flanagan. Executive Publisher Marion Donaldson acquired World English Language rights in THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE and one untitled novel from Isobel Dixon of Blake Friedmann.

Sheila O’ Flanagan is the author of an extraordinary 30 bestselling books - all published by Hachette/Headline - most recently the No. 1 Irish Times bestseller WHAT EDEN DID NEXT and the Sunday Times bestseller THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL. Headline has sold nearly 9 million Sheila O’ Flanagan books, and Sheila’s work is available in over 20 languages. She is published in the US by Hachette’s Mobius division.

THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE, slated for publication in April 2023, is Sheila’s first historical novel. Inspired by the true story of Sheila’s grandmother, THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE is set in Dublin during the Irish War of Independence, in the years following the First World War. It is a dramatic, powerful and authentic novel about love, rebellion and families torn apart by war, with the young, working-class Winifred at its heart. The second title in the new contract will be a contemporary novel in the tradition of WHAT EDEN DID NEXT, and is set for 2024.

Sheila O’ Flanagan said: ‘I’m very excited to know that I will be publishing two more novels with Headline, my publishers for most of my writing life. It’s a tribute to their thoughtful work with all my books that my career has been longer than I ever imagined. I’m particularly pleased that THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE, a deeply personal book inspired by stories my grandmother told me of her own life during turbulent times, will be published next year. I hope readers will enjoy the journey into the past with me.’

Isobel Dixon said: ‘In an already celebratory and bestselling year for Sheila O’Flanagan this new deal is another landmark cause for celebration – the promise of another contemporary novel to delight O’Flanagan fans around the world, but with Sheila also breaking fresh ground with her first historical novel, THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE, starring a spirited heroine based on her own family history. Sheila is a marvel and the long-term relationship with Marion Donaldson and Headline a rare and exemplary publishing collaboration. We look forward to this further journey.’

Marion Donaldson said: ‘I’m so delighted that we have two new Sheila O’Flanagan novels to look forward to. Earlier this year we hosted a celebration in Dublin of 30 Sheila O’Flanagan bestsellers, something only a handful of authors are in a position to do. It’s an honour as well as a pleasure to publish Sheila’s brilliantly crafted and thought-provoking books, and it’s no surprise that Sheila’s first historical novel is every bit as polished, engaging and memorable as her contemporary novels have been. I can’t wait to bring THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE to the market next year.’

About Sheila O’Flanagan
Sheila O’Flanagan is an international bestselling novelist, with more than 9 million copies sold. Most of her novels have been immediate and long-lasting No. 1s in Ireland, UK Top 10 Sunday Times Bestsellers and Kindle Bestsellers, and she is published in more than twenty languages around the world. She is the recipient of the prestigious Irish Tatler Literary Woman of the Year Award. Headline have acquired two new books from Sheila, a historical novel to be published in 2023 and a contemporary novel out in 2024.  

Praise for Sheila O’Flanagan
‘One of my favourite authors’ – Marian Keyes

'Exploring family relationships is what this bestselling author does so well’– Choice

‘One of our best-known, best-loved and most prolific women's fiction authors’ – Irish Independent

‘Brilliantly written and with plot twists popping out like prosecco corks.’ — Woman & Home

‘O’Flanagan weaves an inspiring tale of strength, love and self-discovery’ – Sunday Express

Visit Sheila's website. 

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BARBARA ERSKINE’S THE DREAM WEAVERS SHOOTS STRAIGHT INTO THE TOP 5 IN THE SUNDAY TIMES HARDBACK BESTSELLER CHART

Barbara Erskine’s sweeping new historical novel, THE DREAM WEAVERS (HarperCollins), has flown straight to the Number 4 spot in the Sunday Times hardback bestseller chart after just three days on sale, while the audiobook sailed into the Audible Top 10 bestsellers at Number 7. THE DREAM WEAVERS has also been included in Waterstones’ Best Books to Look Out For in April and was a LoveReading Exciting New Books on the Horizon pick.

Mercia, 788 AD. In the grand Saxon halls of Mercia, King Offa rules with cold ambition. His youngest daughter Eadburh is destined for an arranged marriage, but with reckless spirit her heart is taken by a Welsh prince, a man she can never be matched with and who is quickly and cruelly taken from her.

Eadburh inherited her father’s ruthless ways but it’s the gifts passed down from her mother that are far more dangerous. She is determined to carve her own place in the world, yet her path could cause war.

Offa’s Dyke, 2021. In a cottage hidden amongst the misty Welsh hills of Offa’s Dyke, Bea Dalloway is called to help Simon Armstrong, who is searching for peace. Instead he finds himself disturbed by unsettling noises and visions.

It isn’t long before Bea is also swept up by haunting dreams. The past is whispering to them, calling out for the truth to be told at last.  And as dreams and reality weave closer together, Bea and Simon must be strong to resist the pull of the past – and its desire for revenge…

You can read more about Offa’s Dyke in Barbara’s article for The Telegraph.

THE DREAM WEAVERS also garnered wonderful early praise from authors:

‘If you like brilliantly written history tinged with magic and ghosts, you'll love this’ – Peter James

‘As if by magic, THE DREAM WEAVERS transported me to another time and place. Mysterious and haunting - a richly woven tapestry of history and intrigue.’ – Fiona Valpy

‘Time-slip novels are rarely as compelling as this one, and Barbara Erskine is the supreme mistress of the genre. THE DREAM WEAVERS is a dazzling roller-coaster of a book that will thrill, enchant and intrigue those who love history and the supernatural. Erskine’s grasp of time, place and atmosphere is second to none, the storytelling a masterpiece, the ending one of the most moving I have ever read. If you read one book this year, read this one!’ – Alison Weir

‘So atmospheric and suspenseful, full of myth and magic and hauntings’ – Rachel Hore

‘Warmth, depth, mystery, magic and the supernatural … such a beautiful book!’ –  Santa Montefiore

‘Barbara Erskine has done it yet again. From the very first pages of THE DREAM WEAVERS, you are drawn into the lives of modern-day characters who will, inexorably, slip the bonds of time into the mysterious and magical world of the early Saxons, and find yourself turning the pages with increasing urgency to follow this terrific, epic tale of secrets and betrayals.’ – Liz Trenow

Translation rights in THE DREAM WEAVERS have already been sold in the Czech Republic and Russia. New audio editions of her classic novels LADY OF HAY, WHISPERS IN THE SAND and KINGDOM OF SHADOWS will also be released throughout 2021, with introductions written and read by Barbara herself.

About the Author:

Historian and novelist, Barbara Erskine was the first writer to become a major bestseller with dual time period novels. Her first novel, LADY OF HAY, catapulted her to international success and has been constantly in print for 35 years. Often imitated, never equalled, Barbara’s work is published all around the world in English and in 26 other languages. Her books are regular Sunday Times bestsellers in both hardback and paperback, with millions of copies sold.

Barbara Erskine has 16 novels and 3 original short story collections to her name. Euromedia published ‘The Best of Barbara Erskine’ short story collection in the Czech Republic in October 2020.

She lives in an old police station in Hay-on-Wye, the setting of LADY OF HAY and SLEEPER’S CASTLE, and near Offa’s Dyke, a key location in THE DREAM WEAVERS.

 Praise for Barbara Erskine
‘Fascinating, absorbing, original. But perhaps the most suitable word is hypnotic.’ – SHE

‘Erskine never disappoints.’ — Historical Novel Society

'My perfect storm of escapist bliss.' – Saga

‘The acknowledged queen of the historical time-slip novel.’ – Daily Mail

‘Whether you class her as historical or supernatural, she is certainly a first-rate storyteller.’ – The Bookseller

Visit Barbara’s website.

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MASTER OF WAR: VIPER’S BLOOD by David Gilman published in paperback today!

Viper’s Blood by David Gilman, the thrilling 4th book in the MASTER OF WAR series is released today in paperback, published by Head of Zeus. This much-praised series – described as ‘gripping’, ‘sharper than a bodkin arrow’, ‘better than Bernard Cornwell’ and of ‘bone-crunching intensity’ – is also taking translation markets by storm.

Provoked by the Dauphin's refusal to honour the terms of his father's surrender, Edward III has invaded France with the greatest army England has ever assembled. But the English lion's attempts to claw the French crown from its master are futile. After defeats at Crecy and Poitiers, the Dauphin will no longer meet the English in the field.

Mired down in costly sieges and facing a stalemate, Edward's great army is forced to agree a treaty. But peace comes at a price. The French request that Blackstone escort their King's daughter to Italy to see her married to one of the two brothers who rule Milan – the same brothers who killed Blackstone's family to revenge the defeats they suffered at his hand.

Blackstone, the French are certain, will never leave Milan alive...

Robert Fabbri, bestselling author of the Vespasian series, has described the MASTER OF WAR series as a “gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty”. The series is sold in translation in Brazil, Czech, Spain, Hungary and Germany, where MASTER OF WAR recently went straight into the Top 50 Bestseller charts at No. 23. David Gilman is currently completing the fifth book in this series, SCOURGE OF WOLVES which will be released in ebook in December 2017 and in hardback in February 2018.

Earlier this year, David’s "gripping... smart and subtle" standalone THE LAST HORSEMAN, was shortlisted for Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on 7 September,  

Praise for David Gilman’s MASTER OF WAR series

‘A thrilling, fast-moving, engaging tale, with unexpected twists, beautiful prose, excellent characterisation and dialogue, human sentiment and motivation, and graphic descriptions of war… Move over Bernard Cornwell. … Historical fiction at its best’. – Historical Novel Society

‘Adjectives like action-packed, exciting and wonderfully researched are a given. Yet only the qualities of the work stay the same; the story is as fresh and shock-filled as each of its predecessors.... Do please treat yourself if you haven't read MASTER OF WAR by David Gilman or any of the series that came afterwards.’ – Ani Johnson, The Bookbag

‘Book Four in the MASTER OF WAR series and the bone-crunching intensity of this series shows no signs of abating. ... A truly excellent book and part of an excellent series.’ – Parmenion Books

 'The fourth novel in David Gilman’s powerful and uncompromising chronicle of the Hundred Years War … VIPER’S BLOOD is an exciting, bloody and well-written tale of Europe at a time of terrible crisis. ... A fine addition to a series that continues to bring these cruel years to life in such rich and meticulous detail.' – For Winter Nights

About David Gilman

David Gilman has had many careers, including firefighter, soldier and photographer, before turning to writing full time. He is an award-winning author and screenwriter.

Find out more about David Gilman on Blake Friedmann’s website or David’s own website.

Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

THE LAST HORSEMAN shortlisted for Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize

David Gilman’s riveting Boer War novel THE LAST HORSEMAN has been shortlisted for the Wilbur and Niso Smith Adventure Writing Prize. Established in 2016, the prize is an annual event celebrating the best adventure novels published in the last calendar year. The prize is open to writers of any nationality, writing in English.  

David Gilman is the author of the highly-praised MASTER OF WAR series (Head of Zeus), set during The Hundred Years War and sold in several countries around the world. Gilman’s standalone novel THE LAST HORSEMAN was described by The Historical Novel Society Magazine as ‘packed full of intrigue, adventure and excitement, while The Times said it was ‘gripping and full of action, but also smart and subtle about questions of loyalty and guilt in a war with few good guys.’ David has also written the DANGER ZONE adventure trilogy for younger readers, published by Puffin. 

The six-strong shortlist for this year’s Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize is:
•        David Gilman THE LAST HORSEMAN (Head of Zeus)
•        Frank Gardner CRISIS (Bantam Press)
•        Stef Penney UNDER A POLE STAR (Quercus) 
•        Sara Sheridan ON STARLIT SEAS (Black and White Publishing) 
•        James Swallow NOMAD (Zaffre Publishing) 
•        Graham Hurley FINISTERRE (Head of Zeus) 

The 2017 judging panel comprises: Steve Winter, award-winning National Geographic Photographer; Alex Crawford, Special Correspondent at Sky News; Kevin Conroy Scott, Literary Agent at Tibor Jones & Associates; and Corban Addison, bestselling author and winner of the 2016 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize. The £10,000 prize will be awarded at a ceremony at London’s Royal Geographical Society in September 2017. 

Niso Smith, Founder of The Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation, says: “The Prize is the Foundation’s flagship programme. We are delighted to have received such a high standard of submissions, from both established novelists and writers submitting their debut work of fiction. There are many talented adventure authors writing today and they need to be recognised for their outstanding work. The shortlist really encapsulates the spirit of adventure writing. Each novel allows us a glimpse into different worlds and times, from modern-day to historical settings, and each with clear threats to overcome – whether that’s a fearsome human enemy, societal conventions, or the formidable power of nature.”

Established in September 2015, The Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation is a charitable organisation dedicated to empowering writers, promoting literacy and advancing adventure writing as a genre. 

For more information on the Foundation and the Prize, click here

Follow David on Twitter

See more on David Gilman’s website here.

Praise for David Gilman:

‘What Gilman does superlatively is heart-pounding action.’ — Amanda Craig, The Times

‘Move over Bernard Cornwell!…Historical fiction at its best.’ — Historical Novel Society

‘David Gilman writes so well, managing to stir the blood while moving the reader, at least this one, to tears.' — For Winter Nights

‘Some may notice that there are certain words that are repeated in each of my David Gilman reviews because they're so true they stick to him like a magnet to magnetic stuff. So adjectives like action-packed, exciting and wonderfully researched are a given. Yet only the qualities of the work stay the same; the story is as fresh and shock-filled as each of its predecessors.’ — Ani Johnson, The Bookbag