Viper signs two thrillers from Tariq Ashkanani

Tariq Ashkanani, whose debut novel Welcome to Cooper (Thomas & Mercer) was shortlisted  for the ILP John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger and the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize, has moved to Viper (Profile) in a two-book deal. Miranda Jewess, publishing director, pre-empted UK & Commonwealth rights via Harry Illingworth.

The first novel in the deal is The Midnight King (April 2025), which follows Nathan Cole as he returns to his small town following the death of his father Lucas - bestselling author, and serial killer. Lucas has left behind a manuscript detailing Nathan's secrets as well as his own.

Jewess said: "I've loved Tariq's writing ever since his debut in 2021, and as soon as this came in I knew we had to publish it. Tariq combines the grittiness of the best noir with prose that expresses the depths of the human experience in just a few perfectly chosen words. There is a moment in The Midnight Kingthat hits so hard and so well that I know every reader will know what I'm talking about when they get there. It's an extraordinary novel from an extraordinary writer."

Ashkanani said: "I am incredibly excited to sign with Viper. They are publishing some of the best fiction around at the moment, and I've wanted to work with the legendary editor that is Miranda Jewess for years now. Both Viper and their authors have been super supportive and I've loved every step of the process so far. Very much looking forward to wherever we go next!"