TV series PLAN B, adapted from Deon Meyer’s WIE MET VUUR SPEEL, now available on Showmax

Hollywood star Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan) returns to his Afrikaans roots with the crime caper Plan B. 

The story follows ex-military man Ivan Malan (Tim Theron from Heart of the Hunter) and his partner, Paul Schmidt (Vosloo), who plan to rob a gang boss and steal the Flame Maiden, a painting by master artist Vermeer, worth €30 million. 

Meanwhile, Ragel Bergh (Amalia Uys from Die Byl) is swindled out of her inheritance by slick conman Joshua Lansky (Armand Aucamp from Trompoppie and One Piece). When she meets Ivan and Paul, she discovers they all want the same thing…

Filmed in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, the five-part kykNET series is based on the novel Wie Met Vuur Speel by best-selling crime writer Deon Meyer, who was also executive producer on the show. SAFTA winners Jozua Malherbe (Griekwastad, Devil’s Peak) and Tertius Kapp (Gaia) write and direct respectively.

THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR paperback hits the Top 10 in Ireland and Top 20 in the UK

We’re delighted that the paperback edition of THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR by Sheila O’Flanagan is Number 6 in the Irish bestseller charts and Number 13 in the UK mass market paperback bestseller charts after the first full week on sale. Published by Headline on March 13th, the paperback success follows a Number 1 bestselling trade paperback edition which remained in the Irish Top 10 for fourteen weeks.

THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR is a compelling and thought-provoking story about two strong women, one complicated man, and the secrets and dreams that draw them together – with explosive consequences… 

Veronica Henry described it as ‘a glitzy, glamorous rollercoaster of a romance – hugely entertaining escapism and so satisfying. Sheila O’Flanagan at her sparkling best’, while in the Sunday Times Vicki Notaro called it ‘compelling in its intricacy’, adding that ‘the main characters, Izzy and Ariel, will get under your skin.’

Izzy is in the Caribbean on the honeymoon-that-isn’t after her fiancé broke her heart. She’s not looking for someone new. But when she meets Charles Miller, a successful writer holidaying alone, the electricity is undeniable. And what does she have to lose?

In Ireland, Charles’s ex-wife and agent Ariel flits from party to party, glamorous and poised. She’s in constant contact with Charles. They’re very close. Ariel wonders if they should get back together. She’s an independent woman, but she liked being part of a power couple. And she’s sure she only has to say, and they’ll pick up where they left off.

No matter how in control of life you think you are, it can shock and surprise you. As Izzy, Ariel and Charles are about to find out...

Last year, Sheila was shortlisted for the 2024 Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year Award at the An Post Irish Book Awards. She is currently writing her next novel.

 

Photo credit: Evan Doherty

 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.

 

 Praise for THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR

An Irish Times ‘Fiction to look out for in 2024’ pick

A Belfast Telegraph ‘Here’s everything to get excited about in 2024’ pic

An i newspaper ‘Best new books to read in May 2024’ pick

An Irish Examiner ‘Summer reads: 20 great fiction books to bring on your holiday’ pick

‘I'm in the middle of this and it's scorchio!! Sheila O’Flanagan knocks it out of the sun lounger.’ – Veronica Henry

‘Once again, Sheila O'Flanagan delivers a riveting story, strong characters, great settings and a satisfying dose of romantic adventure, while managing all the while to fly the flag for independent women.’ – Roisin Meaney

‘What a fascinating book, set in the world of publishing. I loved it!’ – Sue Moorcroft

‘A brilliant story’ – Bella Magazine

‘O’Flanagan fans will be entranced.’ – Anne Cunningham, The Connaught Telegraph

‘This slow-burn from Sheila O’Flanagan follows heartbroken Izzy, on holiday in the Caribbean, independent Ariel and the man that connects and frustrates them both: Charles. Another satisfying contemporary novel from the author of THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL and THE MISSING WIFE.’ – My Weekly, ‘The Best New Books’

‘Fell in love with this book and characters’ – 5-star reader review

‘Another fabulous Sheila O’Flanagan book!’ – 5-star reader review

‘This book flowed really well and the characters were so relatable.’ – 5-star reader review

‘This lived up to my expectations!’ – 5-star reader review

‘Definitely didn’t want to put this book down’ – 5-star reader review

A SHEmazing ‘30 best small but mighty stocking stuffers for women’ pick

 

 Visit Sheila’s website.

Follow Sheila on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram.

PICTURE YOU DEAD play, based on the bestselling Peter James novel, continues to receive rave reviews

Following successful nationwide tours of the stage plays of THE PERFECT MURDER, THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL,  DEAD SIMPLE, NOT DEAD ENOUGH, LOOKING GOOD DEAD and WISH YOU WERE DEAD, the stage adaptation of PICTURE YOU DEAD continues its 2025 tour – complete with an all-star cast.

National Television Award winning actor Peter Ash (Coronation Street, Footballers’ Wives, War Horse) and Ore Oduba (Pretty Woman, The Rocky Horror Show) return to the stage, joined by Fiona Wade (Emmerdale, 2:22 A Ghost Story, Going Dutch) and West End favourite Jodie Steele (Bonnie & Clyde, Wicked, Heathers, Six). George Rainsford (Casualty, Call the Midwife and All’s Well That Ends Well) returns to reprise the role of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace who he played in the 2023 stage adaptation of WISH YOU WERE DEAD. The play is written by Shaun McKenna and directed by Jonathan O’Boyle. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.peterjames.com/plays/picture-you-dead-tour-dates/

The PICTURE YOU DEAD play has received rave reviews since its opening in February:

‘There is something thrilling about seeing a story set in Brighton on the stage in Brighton. Peter James’ detective mysteries featuring Roy Grace have become part of the fabric of how fans of the books and television series see Brighton, and it’s great to hear the references on stage to places we all know… The set is a glorious multi construction showing four different locations, all being so very distinct and different it is crystal clear at all times where the action is taking place. The attention to detail in each one is beautiful, leaving the Police offices where the discussions happen right at the front of the stage with no set: the effect is that of beckoning the audience in, giving us a private insight into the investigation and the current thinking of the Police, which is a lovely touch… If you are a fan of Peter James and Roy Grace, then this is absolutely for you.’ – Brighton Source

‘If you’ve seen any of the other Peter James pieces you’ll not be disappointed by this one. If you’ve never given them a try, go and see it – it’s a great introduction to the series. Suspenseful, energetic and surprisingly funny. The tension mounts to sweltering levels with superb direction from Jonathan O’Boyle. Did I figure out how it all unravels? Not a chance! But that is half the fun – you’ll be guessing until the end.’ – East Midlands Theatre

‘For those who love a murder mystery that keeps you guessing right to the last second this will be definitely right up your street!’ – Love London Love Culture

Hot off the heels of a hardback Number One, the paperback edition of THEY THOUGHT I WAS DEAD by Peter James flew straight to Number Three in the UK paperback bestsellers list after only 3 days on sale in November. This comes shortly after the twentieth instalment of the Roy Grace series, ONE OF US IS DEAD, hit Number Three in the hardback charts in October. It will be released in paperback on 10th April 2025. The 21st novel in the Roy Grace series will be published in October 2025.

Crime fans can also tune in to series four of GRACE on ITVX, starring John Simm and Richie Campbell. Recently announced, the much-loved tv series will return for series five in 2025, comprised of four feature-length episodes and will begin airing on ITV on 6th April.

 

Praise for Peter James’ plays

‘One of the best crime thrillers I’ve seen on stage… kill for a ticket!’ – Chichester Observer on DEAD SIMPLE

‘Gripping storytelling. Full of twists and turns.’ – The Reviews Hub on NOT DEAD ENOUGH

‘Will leave you breathless with suspense.’ – Whatsgoodtodo on THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL

‘A theatrical masterpiece.’ – Encore Reviews on LOOKING GOOD DEAD

‘This thrilling thriller had the audience on the edge of their seats.’ – Latest 7 on NOT DEAD ENOUGH

‘A great night in the theatre.’ – BritishTheatre.com on THE PERFECT MURDER

Praise for Peter James
‘If you have never read Peter James’ crime thriller series about the Sussex detective Roy Grace, I would highly recommend you give it a try.’ – Queen Camilla, Press and Journal

‘Peter James is one of the most fiendishly clever crime fiction plotters.’ – The Daily Mail

‘Roy Grace ... is fast becoming one of the more memorable coppers in modern crime fiction ... A first class police procedural.’ – The Times

‘James just gets better and better and deserves the success he has achieved with this first-class series.’ – Independent on Sunday

‘Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business’ – Karin Slaughter

‘Probably the closest we’ll get to a British Stephen King’ – The Financial Times

‘Peter James is one of the most fiendishly clever crime fiction plotters’ – The Daily Mail

‘In uncertain times, I always tend to fall back on old, familiar favourites, so I’ll be reading Peter James’ Roy Grace series. They are thrillers with enough drama to keep you guessing. Reading a well-crafted mystery gives me a sense of accomplishment – almost as if I’ve solved everything myself!’ – Emma Shacklock, Books Editor, Women & Home Magazine

‘Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business’ – Lee Child

‘A master plotter.’ – The Bookseller

‘James has been compared with Stephen King, but in many ways he's better’ – Daily Express

‘This compulsive horror story is a tale of the search for immortality . . . I cannot remember when I last read a novel I enjoyed so much’ – Sunday Telegraph

‘A thought-provoking menacer that’s completely technological and genuinely frightening about the power of future communications’ – Time Out

About Peter James
Peter James is the international bestselling author of many award-winning novels. Peter writes both thriller standalones and the hugely popular Brighton-set Roy Grace series. The opening episode of GRACE, based on the first Roy Grace novel, DEAD SIMPLE, was broadcast in March 2021 with John Simm starring in the lead role as the tenacious detective. It was a TV Pick of the Day across all the major UK newspapers, appeared on ITV 1’s prime Sunday night slot and viewing figures quickly reached more than 8.8 million, with glowing reviews.

Peter’s books have been translated into thirty-eight languages, with worldwide sales of over twenty-three million copies and his Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, set in Brighton, has given him 20 Sunday Times Number Ones. In 2015 WH Smith customers voted him the Greatest Crime Author of All Time and in 2016 he was awarded the coveted CWA Diamond Dagger, a lifetime achievement award for sustained excellence. In 2018 he received a Specsavers Honorary Platinum Bestseller Award and in 2024 he won four Silver Nielsen Bestseller Awards. Peter James has also written two books based on true crime stories, with former senior detective Graham Bartlett.

Peter took part in the launch podcast of the Queen’s Reading Room in January 2024, having had the Grace series featured on the Royal Reading Room previously. He appeared on the podcast again in June 2024, where he was named one of Her Majesty’s favourite crime writers and Roy Grace her favourite fictional detective!

 Visit Peter’s website.

 Like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Paul Herzberg’s THE MOTH opens on Northern Tour to rave reviews

THE MOTH, a new play by Paul Herzberg, has received its world premiere on a tour of Northern England to exceptional reviews. Based on a true story, told in the long shadow of South Africa’s Apartheid regime and the horrors of the Angolan Border War, THE MOTH is a timely and essential thriller that confronts our attitude towards race, war, the legacy of history, the power of our actions, the quest for redemption and the limits of forgiveness, bringing these themes right into the present day.

The play stars Faz Singhateh and Mickey Cochrane, and features the voice of BRIDGERTON star Adjoa Andoh. The director is Jake Murray, and the play is produced by Jake Murray, Hannah Ellis Ryan and Andy Jordan for Elysium Theatre Company. The show’s current 25-stop tour of the North of England, will culminate at Greater Manchester’s iconic venue The Lowry on 12 April.

‘Paul Herzberg has crafted a piece of theatre which is as much about personal reckoning as it is historical accountability – the result being a harrowing yet beautifully deep human piece of theatre’ wrote The Palatinate in a five-star review from the Gala Theatre in Durham. ‘Herzberg has created something that is simultaneously deeply personal and overwhelmingly universal. This is theatre at its most powerful, most harrowing, and importantly – at its most necessary.’

Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, called the play ‘inspiring’ and powerful’ following its two nights at The Live Theatre, Newcastle; Northern Arts Review said that ‘A sure sign of a remarkable and powerful play is that it stays with you, long after the curtain call. Like the moth, this play will linger and flutter in your mind’, while North East Theatre Guide added that the play was ‘thoroughly worthwhile…  A production that leaves the audience with plenty of food for thought.’

‘I am moved and encouraged by the remarkably positive response we are having on the tour – audiences and reviewers seem to be engaging deeply with the play and its themes,’ said Paul in response to the play’s opening weeks. ‘It is so exciting to see a highly intelligent, thought-provoking new play engage, move and thrill audiences across the country,’ added producer Andy Jordan.

Paul has also written about the play, and his own experiences as a conscripted soldier in the Angolan Border War, for the Anti-Apartheid Legacy. A list of the upcoming tour dates, and links to buy tickets, can be found below. The script of the play is published by Methuen, and available now.

About THE MOTH

“You think you know me. You don’t. So it’s time to talk.”

1997: a chance meeting on a train between two men, John, a black British activist and journalist and Marius, a white South African ex-soldier, sets in motion a chain of events that will change their lives forever.

2025: the two men gather to share their story…

Upcoming Tour Dates

Wednesday 26 March: The Witham, Barnard Castle (post-show Q&A with director and cast)

Thursday 27 March: East Stanley Working Man’s Club, Stanley

Friday 28 – Saturday 29 March: Alnwick Playhouse

Tuesday 1 April: Harrogate Theatre

Wednesday 2 April: Hull Truck, Hull

Thursday 3 April: Stokesley Community Library

Friday 4 April: Bishop Auckland Town Hall

Saturday 5 April: Newton-le-Willows Village Hall

Tuesday 8 April: The Athenaeum, Sunderland

Wednesday 9 April: The Friarage Theatre, Yarm

Thursday 10 – Saturday 12 April: The Lowry, Salford (11th April: post-show Q&A with director and cast)

About Paul Herzberg

Paul cut his teeth as an actor at South Africa’s first multiracial theatre, The Space. He left for the UK in 1976 following conscription into the Angolan border war, a time he’s drawn on for THE SONG OF MY FATHER (BBC Radio 4), SWEET LIKE SUGA (Old Red Lion & Centaur Montreal), his award-winning play, THE DEAD WAIT, and THE MOTH. Paul completed a post-graduate diploma at LAMDA and began working as an actor and writer in the UK in 1978.

His work as a writer encompasses theatre, radio, TV and film with several nominations and awards. THE DEAD WAIT was produced at the Market Theatre, Royal Exchange and Park Theatre and was adapted for BBC Radio 4, ABC Australia, and WDR Germany. The play was shortlisted for The Verity Bargate Award and nominated for three Manchester Evening News Awards: best play, production and actor — in which category it won. In 2000 Paul was one of two writers commissioned for The Metropolis Kabarett at The National Theatre.

His screenplay ANNA’S STORY won a place on the Brit List in 2018.

Visit Paul Herzberg’s website

Follow Paul on Instagram

Tomasz Jedrowski’s SWIMMING IN THE DARK reimagined as an opera in Key West, Florida

Tomasz Jedrowski’s ‘modern literary classic’ SWIMMING IN THE DARK is set to make its debut on the opera stage this week, with the premiere of the first act of an adaptation at a developmental staged concert in Key West, Florida on Friday 21 March. Written by composer Martin Hennessy and librettist Stephen Kitsakos, there will be two initial performances of the work-in-progress English-language opera from 21 to 22 March at The Studios of Key West, where they will be joined by Tomasz in person for the premiere.

The adaptation is a collaboration between composer Martin Hennessy, librettist Stephen Kitsakos, and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music Opera & Ballet Theater. Featuring 18 artists from Jacobs, and directed by Michael Shell, Resident Opera Stage Director at the Jacobs School, the 85-minute Act One will be performed in English by 12 singers and a chamber ensemble.

‘The story unfolds in 1980, as the communist Polish People’s Republic teeters on the edge of collapse,’ said librettist Stephen Kitsakos. “At its heart is a passionate love affair, but it’s also a gripping political thriller set in a country being torn apart by upheaval.’

Tickets for the performances are available from The Studios of Key West website.

First published by Bloomsbury in 2020, SWIMMING IN THE DARK has since become a worldwide sensation, embraced by both critics and new generations of fans on BookTok – including the pop singer Dua Lipa, who picked the book for her Service95 Book Club in May 2024. The novel was a finalist for the Polari First Book Prize in 2021, has so far been translated into eighteen languages, with film/TV, theatre and opera rights all under option for adaptation. It was published in the USA by William Morrow.

Poland, 1980. Shy, anxious Ludwik has been sent along with the rest of his university class to an agricultural camp. Here he meets Janusz – and together they spend a dreamlike summer falling in love.

But with summer over, the two are sent back to Warsaw. Confronted by the scrutiny, intolerance and corruption of life under the Party, Ludwik and Janusz must decide how they will survive; and in their different choices, find themselves torn apart.

Photo: Kuba Dabrowski

About Tomasz Jedrowski

Tomasz was born in West Germany to Polish parents and studied law at Cambridge. He lives in France, exploring local history, national identity, and ecology.

His debut novel SWIMMING IN THE DARK was published by Bloomsbury in the UK and William Morrow in the USA, and has been translated into eighteen languages. Film/TV rights and opera rights have been optioned. The novel was a finalist for the Polari First Book Prize (2021).

Praise for SWIMMING IN THE DARK

‘Marvellous, precise, poignant writing; the reader is happy to be overwhelmed. The highest talent at work.’ – Sebastian Barry

‘A lyrical exploration of the conflict between gay love and political conformity. Jedrowski is an authentic new international star.’ – Edmund White

‘Heartbreak – yes, I’m a romantic – is what we get from Tomasz Jedrowski’s exquisite debut novel, SWIMMING IN THE DARK. Set in 1980s Poland, this love story captivates and is so beautifully written I return to it again and again.’ – Guardian

‘Readers will relish the indelible prose, which approaches the mastery of Alan Hollinghurst. Jedrowski’s portrayal of Poland’s tumultuous political transformation over several decades makes this a provocative, eye-opening exploration of the costs of defying as well as complying with social and political conventions.’ – Publishers Weekly

‘A stupendous read: I could not put the book down. I urge you to order this book now. Its eloquence, its understanding of identity, belonging, loneliness and love is second to none. Powerful and uplifting.’ – Lord Michael Cashman, co-founder of Stonewall