Deputy Managing Director Claire Bord has acquired World English Language rights from Millie Hoskins at United Agents to a trilogy of destination psychological thrillers by script writer and bestselling author of the Marshall of Snowdonia and DI Ruth Hunter series’ Simon McCleave. Simon’s destination thrillers published with Storm – Last Night at Villa Lucia and Five Days in Provence – have been instant bestsellers.
The trilogy will launch in ebook, paperback and audio in June 2026 and follows an ultra-exclusive chain of five-star hotels catering to the wealthy, where absolute privacy and discretion make them the perfect hunting ground for those harbouring deadly secrets.
McCleave said:
‘I’m so excited to be working with Storm again on these new books. I know my work is in excellent hands and I can’t wait to see what my readers think.’
Bord said of the deal:
‘The series combines everything readers love about destination thrillers – exotic locations, guests with dark secrets, and murders in paradise – with Simon’s trademark psychological depth and killer twists. The series opens with a body discovered on a pristine beach at dawn, launching readers into a world where luxury hospitality meets dangerous betrayals. It’s a brilliant premise that will keep readers guessing across all three books. Fans of White Lotus are going to be hooked!’
Simon McCleave is a multimillion-selling crime novelist. Originally from London, he now lives in North Wales with his wife and two children. Before writing novels, Simon worked in London and LA in the TV and film industries, working on films such as The Full Monty, and series including Silent Witness, The Bill, Murder in Suburbia and many more.
Simon’s bestselling DI Ruth Hunter series is now set to become a major television drama, with filming of Snowdonia due to begin in autumn. His new series, Marshal of Snowdonia, was launched in 2025 to popular and critical acclaim and became an instant bestseller.
To find out more about Simon, connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and visit him at simonmccleave.com.
Storm Managing Director
Welcome to Storm
Storm Publishing is a premium, digital-first independent publisher with a global outlook. We partner with authors to craft exceptional stories, combining world-class editorial guidance, beautiful packaging, and smart, data-driven marketing to connect books with the readers who will love them most.
We publish across ebook, audiobook, and print, constantly expanding our reach through innovative partnerships and technology that open new doors for our authors.
Our experienced team – over 100 years of publishing expertise between us – has launched countless bestsellers and built careers for some of the world’s most successful commercial fiction authors.
With our industry-leading 50% royalty on ebooks and audiobooks, Storm authors share more fully in their success.
Whether you’re an author, agent, or passionate reader, we’d love you to join us on this journey. Together, we’re reimagining the future of publishing.
Sign up below to stay updated on our latest news and opportunities.
