Hera acquires a compelling new Scottish detective series from Kerry Watts

Hera are delighted to announce that they have signed a Scottish-set police procedural series from Kerry Watts. Kerry’s detective series, sees D.I. Hazel Todd on the trail of a murderer who is leaving a trail of bodies all over Perth. However, the deaths echo the crimes of a female serial killer in the 1980’s, Rachel Fox – a killer who has just been released from prison… Could it be a copycat killer, or history repeating itself?

The first book in the series will be released in late 2021, with the second book following in Spring 2022. WEL rights were acquired from Robbie Guillory at Kate Nash Literary Agency.

Keshini Naidoo, Publishing Director at Hera said of the deal:

‘Kerry’s book was an absolute read-in-one-sitting detective novel. Twisty, extremely dark and filled with strong and complex female characters, I loved the setting, and the denouement had my heart in my mouth! D.I. Hazel Todd is a fantastically well-drawn main protagonist and one that I have no doubt crime readers will embrace. I’m delighted to be publishing Kerry for this new series, and thrilled that she is joining us at Hera!’

Kerry Watts commented on the deal:

I couldn’t quite believe it when I received the email to say I’d been offered a two book deal with Hera. When Keshini told me how much she loved the characters I don’t mind admitting I might have shed a wee tear or two of joy. I am really looking forward to introducing the feisty, no nonsense Hazel Todd to the world.

Robbie Guillory added:

Kerry is an incredible writer, able to twist and turn her narrative on the head of a pin, and deliciously dark to boot. I am delighted that Hera will be publishing her next two books, and can’t wait for them to get into the hands of readers. They will be devoured!