Ratcatcher

A gripping historical thriller introducing Bow Street Runner Matthew Hawkwood – a sexy, dangerous and fascinating hero who hunts down thieves, spies and murderers in the crime-ridden streets of Regency London.

Hunting down highwaymen was not the usual preserve of a Bow Street Runner. As the most resourceful of this elite band of investigators, Matthew Hawkwood was surprised to be assigned the case – even if it did involve the murder and mutilation of a naval courier.

From the squalor of St Giles Rookery, London's notorious den of thieves and cutthroats, to the brightly lit salons of the aristocracy and the heart of the British government, Hawkwood relentlessly pursues his quarry.

As the case unfolds and another body is discovered on the banks of the Thames, the true agenda begins to emerge. And only Hawkwood can stop a dastardly plot that will end British mastery of the seas forever.

• Launch of stunning new historical series in the tradition of Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe.

• National marketing campaign to reach the mass market consumer.

• Lead title in The Guardian Crime and Thriller Promotion

• Introducing Matthew Hawkwood, soldier, spy and tough peacekeeper, a character set to feature in many future books.

• Top 20 bestselling hardback had terrific reviews from national press.

Competition: Bernard Cornwell;Conn Iggulden;