Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Horowitz to write Holmes mystery for Orion

The Bookseller - 17.01.11- Charlotte Williams

Orion is to publish a new full-length Sherlock Holmes novel, written by Alex Rider author Anthony Horowitz,(pic left), after he was selected by the Conan Doyle Estate.
Jon Wood, deputy group publisher, acquired world rights to the as-yet-unnamed title through Robert Kirby of United Agents.

Further details about the title, to be published in September, are still to be revealed, though it will be "a brilliant mystery novel, stripped back to the original style of Conan Doyle", according to the publisher.

Wood said: "We are incredibly excited by what an author of Anthony's quality and Sherlock-ian expertise can bring to the greatest of all British detectives. The combination of his passion for Holmes and his consummate narrative trickery will ensure that this new story will not only blow away Conan Doyle aficionados but also bring the sleuth to a whole new audience."

It is the first time the Conan Doyle Estate has given its approval for a new Holmes novel. Kirby said: "When I discussed with the surviving relatives of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who we felt Sir Arthur would choose to write an authorised new Sherlock Holmes novel we came up with a shortlist of only one name, Anthony Horowitz.
"We're thrilled Anthony has agreed and look forward to this must-read global publishing event this autumn."

Horowitz said: "I fell in love with the Sherlock Holmes stories when I was 16 and I've read them many times since. I simply couldn't resist this opportunity to write a brand new adventure for this iconic figure and my aim is to produce a first rate mystery for a modern audience while remaining absolutely true to the spirit of the original."

No comments: