Canelo Crime sign new cosy crime novels by Hannah Hendy

Commissioning editor Siân Heap has acquired World All Language ebook and print, audio and large print rights to new books in The Dinner Lady Detectives series by Hannah Hendy in a four-book deal. 

Canelo published Hendy’s debut, The Dinner Lady Detectives in November 2021 after it was submitted to Siân Heap following a #DVPit event on Twitter, with the festive sequel An Unfortunate Christmas Murder following in August 2022. The third book in the series, A Terrible Village Poisoning, will be published next month and will again follow Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker, whose holiday to a seaside town is ruined when they witness the death of the local mayor in the restaurant of their hotel. With its light tone and warmth, the series has become a favourite in the trade and received positive press reviews which praised The Dinner Lady Detectives as ‘delightful’ (Crime Monthly), ‘a brilliant read’ (Bella) and ‘perfect to curl up with’ (Heat). 

Hannah Hendy lives in a small town in South Wales with her long-suffering wife and two spoiled cats. A professional chef by trade, she started writing to fill the time between shifts. She is the author of The Dinner Lady Detectives series, published by Canelo Crime.

Siân Heap says: ‘I fell in love with the idea for the series as soon as I saw Hannah’s tweet two years ago. It has been so much fun working with Hannah on the first three books in the series and seeing them come to life. They’re so full of charm and humour, and Hannah is such a pleasure to work with. I can’t wait to see more of Margery and Clementine’s investigations!’ 

Hannah Hendy says: ‘I’m so excited to continue working with Siân and Canelo. It’s been such a wonderful journey so far and I can’t wait for Margery and Clementine’s next adventure!’

The fourth book in the series will be published in autumn 2023, in paperback and ebook, with future titles in the series to follow in 2024 and 2025. For more information please contact kate@canelo.co