A University of Chester academic has signed a two-book deal with a major publisher.

Dr Lucy Andrew, a senior lecturer in English literature, has secured the deal with Corvus for her debut novel, A Very Vexing Murder, and its sequel.

It is a cosy crime retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, reimagining the character Harriet Smith as a skilled con artist turned detective.

The second book in the series will follow Harriet as she solves another murder within the Jane Austen universe.

Ms Andrew's first foray into fiction caught the attention of agents and publishers after making the shortlist for the Penguin Michael Joseph Undiscovered Writers’ Prize 2022-23 in the Crime and Thriller category.

It was also named a finalist at Pitch Perfect 2023 at the Bloody Scotland crime writing festival and achieved a highly commended accolade in the Spread the Word Case Closed First Chapter competition 2023.

It was also the runner-up in the A M Heath Crime Writing Prize this year.

Ms Andrew said: "I’m delighted to be working with Sarah and Corvus on my novel.

"Their enthusiasm for the project and for Jane Austen blew me away and they will be the perfect home for Harriet’s investigations."

Publishing director of Corvus, Sarah Hodgson, acquired the UK and Commonwealth rights for the two books from Euan Thorneycroft at A M Heath.

She said: "I haven’t had this much fun with a novel in ages.

"Lucy Andrew has created a hugely entertaining and page-turning Regency cosy crime romp.

"While fans of Austen will delight in the clever interweaving of the plot with the events of Emma, Lucy has done an outstanding job of ensuring that A Very Vexing Murder works brilliantly as a crime novel in its own right - no previous knowledge necessary.

"I couldn’t be happier that she has chosen Corvus as the home for these wonderfully witty tales."

A Very Vexing Murder is due for publication in 2026.

Ms Andrew is well-versed in crime fiction, with the genre among her research specialisms.

She is also a regular contributor to podcasts, radio, and television, including Murder Maps and Rippercast: The Jack the Ripper Podcast.