Anthony Horowitz writes official Sherlock Holmes sequel
Anthony Horowitz, the BAFTA-award winning creator of Foyle’s War and author of the bestselling Alex Rider children’s series, has been chosen by the Conan Doyle Estate to write a new full length Sherlock Holmes novel which will be published by Orion in September 2011. The agreement was put together by Robert Kirby of United Agents allowing Orion World Rights.
The content of the new tale – and indeed the title – remain a closely guarded secret. The prologue is currently under lock and key at the Orion offices. The announcement of the new novel was made to the Sherlock Holmes Society on 15 January where Anthony Horowitz was the keynote speaker.
This brand new story is being written with the full endorsement of the Conan Doyle Estate; the first such time that they have given their seal of approval for a new Sherlock Holmes novel. Setting aside the numerous film and TV adaptations of the famous Baker Street detective, Horowitz has returned to the original books to produce a brilliant mystery novel, stripped back to the original style of Conan Doyle.
Jon Wood, Deputy Group Publisher says: “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 great sleuth to a whole new audience.’
Robert Kirby says: “When I discussed with the surviving relatives of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who we felt Sir Arthur would choose to write an authorized 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”
Anthony Horowitz is a TV screen-writer. He is the creator and writer of 'Foyle's War', 'Midsomer Murders’ and ‘Collison’, as well as adapting many of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot novels for the ITV series. He was awarded a BAFTA for ‘Foyle’s War’ and Foyle was recently voted 'The People’s Detective’ in the ITV3 Crime Thriller Awards, an award voted for by viewers. His new five-part drama series ‘Injustice’ will be shown on ITV1 in May. Antony Horowitz is also the author of a string of bestselling children's books, including the Alex Rider, The Power of Five and The Diamond Brother series. The ninth and final Alex Rider book, Scorpia Rising, is published on 31 March. He lives in North London.
For further information please contact:
Helen Richardson, Publicity Director on 020 7520 4449 or email: helen.richardson@orionbooks.co.uk