We are delighted to announce that Storm has signed three books in a new crime series by author Nicky Downes starring Detective Inspector Jacqueline “Jack” Kent. Publisher Kathryn Taussig acquired World rights, including Film and Television, to the first three books in the series.
Book one introduces readers to DI Jack Kent – a Birmingham-based detective and avid mountain climber. When Kent is asked by her superiors to investigate a burglary, she thinks it’s below her pay grade… until she realises the criminal must be climbing the buildings in order to get in. Then, a body is found in one of the flats and suddenly she’s got a murder investigation on her hands. Meanwhile, the tragic death of Jack’s former climbing partner Hannah continues to haunt her as she grapples with the case that won’t let her forget.
The first book in the series will be published in September 2023, followed by two more in 2024.
Nicky says,
“I’m so excited to be working with the fantastic team at Storm Publishing. It’s a pleasure working with someone with the experience of Kathryn on the first novel in the DI Jacqueline Kent series. I’m so looking forward to bringing Jack to a wider audience of readers in 2023 and beyond, in partnership with Storm.”
Kathryn says,
“I really connected with the character of DI Jack Kent as soon as I began reading Nicky’s amazing novel. These books have everything that readers look for in a police procedural – an intriguing mystery, amazing settings, compelling characters and a chilling killer at large – while also bringing something new and fresh to the genre. I am thrilled that Nicky has brought her books to Storm and can’t wait to publish them!”
To learn more about Nicky, you can find her on twitter, her website or Facebook.

Storm Managing Director
Welcome to Storm
Storm is a brand-new digital-first publisher. We’re starting small, but we have BIG plans and are looking for writers to be part of an innovative, author-focused new business.
Storm is a new company, but our team are highly experienced – with over 60 years of publishing between them, working for some of the biggest names in the industry.
Whether you’re an author, agent, or reader, it’s going to be an incredible journey – we hope you’ll come along for the ride. Sign up below to get updates on our latest developments.