Egmont has bought the world English language rights for "The Mercian Trilogy", a vampire story for teenagers which will be published under the name KJ Wignall. The first book, "Blood", will be published in the UK in Autumn 2011. Kevin's agent for children's and young adult books is Sarah Molloy of AM Heath.

Following on the success of "Kuka on Conrad Hirst?", Finnish publisher, Arktinen Banaani, has bought the rights to "Dark Flag". The title is due to be released in late 2010. Schedule permitting, Kevin will be visiting Finland to support the launch.

Kevin visited Finland for the launch of "Kuka on Conrad Hirst?", a great success which met with blanket press coverage, a couple of lively bookstore signings and culminated with a packed theatre and a lengthy signing session at the Kouvola Crime Festival (where Kevin was the first ever foreign guest author). On the back of this success, the publisher is planning more translations of Kevin's work - more news to follow.

Finnish publisher, Arktinen Banaani, has bought the rights to "Who is Conrad Hirst?". The title is scheduled for release in June 2009 and Kevin will be visiting Finland to support the launch.

German publisher, Heyne, has bought the rights to "Who is Conrad Hirst?" and "Dark Flag" (Kevin's new book). The first book will be published in the 2009/10 Winter season (date TBC) and Kevin will visit Germany to support the launch.

Kevin's short story, "A Death" is published in the December 2008 edition of "Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine". It's a tale of two intelligence officers on a simple, deadly mission - in different ways, neither of them is prepared for what they're about to witness, and the death of the title comes when it's least expected.

"Who is Conrad Hirst?" has been nominated for a Barry Award in the category of Best Paperback Original. The Barry Awards were founded by "Deadly Pleasures", the highly-respected mystery magazine, and will be presented at Bouchercon (the leading US crime convention) in Baltimore this October.

Not Kevin Wignall. The Edgar was awarded to Megan Abbott for her novel, "Queenpin", a worthy winner which Kevin not only enjoyed but also tipped for the prize when the nominations were first announced. Kevin was away on a research trip and was represented at the banquet by his editor, Kerri Kolen.

"Who is Conrad Hirst?" has been sold to Shinchosha Publishing in Tokyo after a three-way auction for the Japanese rights. Publication will be in late 2009 or 2010. Kevin will visit Japan to support the launch.

"Who is Conrad Hirst?" has been nominated for an Edgar Award in the category of Best Paperback Original. Kevin is the only British author nominated in the fiction categories in this year's Edgar shortlists. The prestigious awards are presented by the Mystery Writers of America and the winners will be announced at a banquet in New York City on May the 1st.