Editorial Director Vicky Blunden has acquired World All Language rights, including film and TV, in two gripping new cozy crime series and two festive rom-coms from bestselling US author Ellie Alexander.

The Novel Detectives series is a spin-off from Ellie Alexander’s bestselling Secret Bookcase series and sees bookstore events organiser Annie Murray opening a private detective agency with her co-worker, Sherlock Holmes superfan Fletcher, to solve crimes past and present. In the first book, publishing in January 2026, The Novel Detectives take on their first case – and soon find themselves investigating Agatha Christie herself and a potentially perfectly executed murder…

The second series – The Adventure Reporter Mysteries – features journalist and amateur sleuth Meg Reed, and the first book, A Killer on the Climb, will publish in July 2025. When recent journalism grad Meg lands a job at an extreme sports magazine, there’s just one tiny problem – she’s terrified of heights and faking her adventure credentials. But her first assignment takes a deadly turn when a contestant in a reality TV competition she’s covering plunges from a cliff, and it’s clear it was no accident. Determined to get to the truth, Meg turns her journalistic skills to tracking the killer.

Alexander’s two festive rom-coms will publish in October 2025. Set against the snowy backdrop of a mountain town’s magical holiday season, these sparkling romantic comedies will appeal to mystery and romance fans alike, serving up the perfect recipe of wit, warmth and festive small-town charm, with a dash of enemies-to-lovers drama.

Ellie Alexander has published nearly 40 books, including the long-running and bestselling Bakeshop Mysteries and Sloan Krause series.

Alexander says,

“I’m beyond thrilled to be working with the incredibly talented team at Storm and my brilliant editor, Vicky Blunden, on expanding Annie Murray’s sleuthing skills in the Novel Detectives Mysteries, sharing two festive rom-coms, and the Adventure Reporter Mysteries! Revisiting my first mystery series feels like reconnecting with old friends—Meg and her adventures have always held a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to bring them to life again in fresh, exciting ways. What makes this journey even more special is Storm’s collaborative spirit. Their passion for storytelling, innovative approach to publishing, and commitment to reaching new readers are truly inspiring. Having Vicky’s keen editorial eye guide on my work is such a gift. I couldn’t ask for a better team to embark on this adventure with, and I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on!”

Blunden says,

“It’s a total joy working with Ellie and we’ve been so happy to see readers respond so incredibly positively to her first series with Storm. We can’t wait to launch the Adventure Reporter Mysteries and Novel Detectives this year and next, and we know that Ellie’s fans will love her twisty and wonderfully festive rom-coms too. She’s a consummate storyteller – every book is a totally gripping and perfectly plotted gem!”

For more information about Ellie Alexander, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram.