HarperCollins's William Morrow imprint has signed a new Agatha Christie novel, authorized by the late author's estate, to be written by bestselling writer Sophie Hannah. Executive v-p of the imprint, Daniel Mallory, took world English rights to the book, with David Brawn at HarperCollins UK, from Acorn Productions Ltd (which oversees the Christie estate) and Hannah's agent, Peter Straus. The new novel, which is currently untitled, is set for a September 2014 release.
HC said the book, which will be the first new Christie title in 38 years, will feature Christie's popular protagonist, Hercule Poirot, "in a diabolically clever murder mystery sure to baffle and delight."
Hannah, who writes crime fiction, has penned eight psychological thrillers and her novel Kind of Cruel was shortlisted for the Specsavers National Book Awards Crime Thriller of the Year in 2012.
