New mystery novel to be published by Thomas and Mercer
I am so delighted to say that Thomas & Mercer will be publishing my new mystery novel, the first book in The Polly Hope Mysteries, in autumn 2026 in a wonderful 3-book deal negotiated by my literary agent Sarah Such at the Sarah Such Literary Agency.
Writing as Friday Turner, I have so enjoyed creating this series of detective novels set in the Second World War. Polly Hope, my heroine, is clever, sparky, and strong – and it has been both fascinating and moving to carry out research into the lives of women like Polly, who played such unusual and important roles in unimaginably difficult times.
The story begins in London during the Blitz, where Polly Hope is working as an Air Raid Warden. When she saves the life of the charming Freddie Fairbank, he asks her to help requisition a Somerset country house for the war effort. But when the lord of the manor is found dead, and the local police are too busy to investigate, Polly and Freddie find themselves in the role of unofficial detectives. Soon, old secrets and passions emerge as Polly and Freddie begin to investigate; and when another unexplained death takes place, they begin to follow a trail which leads to corruption and danger at the very highest level.
It’s already a great pleasure to be working with the editorial team at Thomas & Mercer, and a delight as always to work with my agent, Sarah Such, who can be contacted with all enquiries about foreign translation and TV/film rights.
I’m looking forward so much to seeing The Polly Hope Mysteries out in the world and will be posting about them as we go!
Happy reading.