Zaffre signs global crime-writing phenomenon Lars Kepler

 Zaffre, the flagship fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired The Mirror Man and two further ‘Joona Linna’ titles from global writing phenomenon Lars Kepler. 

Kate Parkin, M.D. of Adult Trade Publishing for Bonnier Books UK and Ben Willis, Publishing Director at Zaffre, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Niclas Salomonsson at Salomonsson Agency. 

Lars Kepler is the pseudonym for the critically acclaimed husband and wife team Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndoril, authors of the number one internationally bestselling Joona Linna series, which has sold over 250,000 copies in the UK (TCM). With over 15 million copies sold worldwide and outstanding reviews from Time magazine, New York Times, Sunday Times, The Times, Daily Mail and more, this is a major acquisition for the Zaffre imprint. 

The first publication from Lars Kepler will be The Mirror Man, which follows a detective on the trail of a kidnapper who makes his victims’ worst nightmares a reality. This is a dark, compulsive thriller set at a breakneck pace with writing that delves into the depths of the human psyche. The Mirror Man will be one of Zaffre’s lead crime titles for 2022. 

Lars Kepler said: ‘We have only positive things to say about our former English publisher, but when we met the Zaffre team it was just like when you meet someone for the first time and feel in your heart that you will become good friends. The conversations were filled with energy, laughter and plans for the future. We are convinced that this is not only the beginning of a long friendship, but also something great for our books and our readers.’

Niclas Salomonsson said: ‘I couldn’t be more excited about collaborating with Bonnier Books UK

and the Zaffre team on Lars Kepler’s brilliant authorship. I feel very confident with Perminder Mann and her outstanding team and am thrilled to see The Mirror Man and the following Joona Linna novels be published by them.’’

Managing Director Kate Parkin said: ‘Like millions of other fans round the world, Lars Kepler’s dark, pitch perfect crime novels have kept me on the edge of my seat long into the night. We are enormously proud to be bringing the most compelling crime thriller voice of a generation to Bonnier Books UK and we can’t wait to introduce his latest novel The Mirror Man to readers and listeners. I can promise them the thrill ride of their life…’

Publishing Director Ben Willis said: ‘I still remember the visceral terror I experienced when reading Richard and Judy pick The Hypnotist a decade ago, and The Mirror Man is every bit as brilliant. Kepler does something unique: creates disturbing, chilling, gripping crime stories that are also beautifully written. I can’t wait to work with Alexandra and Alexander to bring their sales to the next level.’

The Mirror Man will be published in the UK and Ireland 23rd June 2022 in hardback, audio, and eBook.

Author photo credit: Ewa-Marie Rundquist