Samantha Jones-
British broadcaster Jeremy Vine is set to make his debut as a murder mystery novelist with his upcoming book “Murder On Line One,” scheduled for publication in April 2025. This novel will launch a new crime series set in a local radio station in Sidmouth, Devon.
As a young boy, Vine had an “obsession” with Dame Agatha Christie and had read all 66 of her detective novels by the age of 18. This passion for crime fiction has now culminated in his own venture into the genre.
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“I am delighted to be joining Harper Collins to tell my stories of murder and intrigue in deepest Devon,” Vine said. “I just hope my hero, the constantly-under-the-threat-of-being-sacked-from-his-radio-station Edward Temmis, would have passed muster with my other hero, Agatha Christie. She has inspired me since I first read her at 11. I don’t know why I waited 47 years to dive into the world she created in my mind.”
The first book in the series will follow Edward Temmis, a late-night radio talk show host, as he encounters Stevie, a young woman whose grandmother, a devoted listener, recently died under suspicious circumstances. Temmis soon realizes that her grandmother was not the only listener who has been targeted.
Martha Ashby, publishing director at Harper Fiction, announced the acquisition of the first two novels in the series from Vine. “Jeremy’s book has it all – a clever, funny, characterful murder mystery with a great sense of humour and remarkable emotional depth,” Ashby said. “Drawn from his extensive knowledge of local and national radio, and with a hugely authentic voice, Jeremy takes us on a journey into darkness, secrets, passion and crime with humour and a light touch.”
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Vine’s entry into the world of crime fiction follows the successful path of fellow broadcaster Richard Osman, whose “Thursday Murder Club” series is being adapted for the screen, featuring stars such as Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan, and Celia Imrie.
With “Murder On Line One,” Vine aims to captivate readers with a blend of mystery, humour, and the authentic atmosphere of a local radio station, promising a thrilling new addition to the murder mystery genre.
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