Bective writer produces new novel in eight weeks after delivering baby son

Bective-based author Fiona Sherlock from Bective has signed a second book deal in 2020. Fiona completed 'Twelve Motives for Murder' in eight weeks after delivering her baby son Arthur.

Hodder Studio will publish 'Twelve Motives for Murder' by the Navan native in audio and ebook on 10th December, followed by a print edition in autumn 2021. Sara Adams acquired world rights in two books from Lina Langlee at the North Literary Agency.

Twelve Motives for Murder is an homage to the classic crime murder mystery told entirely through interviews between the detective and each of the twelve suspects in turn. Readers and listeners must piece together the crime and work out ‘whodunit’ alongside the detective. The audiobook will be a multi-cast production.

The novel is set in the 1950s, and follows the Caswell-Jones family, who are celebrating Christmas day in Como with their nearest and dearest. Merriment and limoncello abound . . . Until Jonty Caswell-Jones is found dead in his study. With no staff today, the only suspects are the guests and the family. Jonty's wife, Catherine, knows there's a killer among them so she calls her acquaintance, Elizabeth Chalice, to investigate. She wants to keep this firmly within the family if she can. No one else must know . . .

Sara Adams says: "Fiona Sherlock has a brilliant ability to create an incredibly compelling mystery, a dark and sinister atmosphere, and fully formed characters you love and loathe in equal measure! This is an exciting opportunity for readers to become armchair detectives. Told entirely through interviews, we’re launching the novel in audiobook and ebook first, to make the most of this innovative style of storytelling – Fiona has created an addictive murder mystery, that is perfect for anyone who loves to watch Poirot at Christmas. I’m so excited for listeners and readers to enjoy Twelve Motives for Murder this winter."