Pushkin swoops for Lutz thriller

Pushkin Vertigo has swooped for near-future police procedural by debut novelist Jack Lutz. 

London in Black follows the fallout from a nerve agent which has been released into the atmosphere and kills 10% of the population at random. There is an antidote, but the scientist who invented it has been murdered in mysterious circumstances. The synopsis goes on: “Enter DI Lucy Stone, a dogged police officer who has lost everything in the attacks. She is determined to find the killer, but not just for the public good – to also make amends for a big mistake in her past.”

Commissioning editor Harriet Wade acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Jordan Lees at the Blair Partnership.

Wade said: “London In Black is a remarkable novel, in its unique set-up and sophisticated world-building. I was sucked in from the outset with its distinct plotting and vibrant characters – particularly DI Lucy Stone, a hardened and yet vulnerable protagonist with a penchant for peculiar beverages. I’m very excited to welcome this original novel to the Vertigo list.”

Lutz said: “I’m delighted to be published by Pushkin Vertigo. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading Pushkin books, and am very excited to be amongst their authors. And I can’t wait for readers to meet Lucy Stone.”

London In Black will publish in spring 2022.