Faber to publish Laura Lippman's new novel
21 February 2025
Faber will publish Laura Lippman’s new novel Murder Takes a Vacation, starring the unforgettable sixty-something protagonist Mrs Blossom, on 14 August.
Publishing Director Angus Cargill bought UK & Commonwealth rights from Caspian Dennis at Abner Stein, on behalf of Vicky Bijur at the Vicky Bijur Literary Agency.
Mrs Blossom is a widow who has never left the US, a grandmother with a knack for blending in and now, a lottery winner with an unexpected fortune. Determined to finally see the world, she’s starting with a cruise along the Seine.
Just twenty-four hours into her trip, however, a man is dead, a precious artefact is missing, and a mysterious stranger is claiming her life is in danger. Surrounded by luxury food, quaint towns and people with staggeringly high net worths, Mrs Blossom has no idea who she can trust.
But maybe blending into the background has its perks – whoever is responsible will never see this most unlikely of detectives coming.
‘I would say a page-turner if it wasn’t such a cliche . . . I really hope that this isn’t the last we’ve heard of Mrs Blossom!’
Kate Atkinson
Publishing Director Angus Cargill said:
‘It’s always a thrill to know you’re reading something by a master, but even by Laura Lippman’s high standards, Murder Takes a Vacation is a serious treat. Mrs Blossom is so perfectly drawn and perhaps the evergreen heroine we all need.’
Laura Lippman said:
‘I don’t think I’m alone in my need to escape right now and when I started writing Murder Takes a Vacation, my primary desire was to spend time with someone I genuinely liked – and someone through whom I could live vicariously. I found Muriel Blossom excellent company and hope readers will, too.’
Laura Lippman’s recent novels include Lady in the Lake, now a major show on Apple TV+, and Sunburn, a Waterstones Thriller of the Month. A three-time winner of the CrimeFest eDunnit Award, she has also been shortlisted for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and will receive the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America at this year’s Edgar Awards. She will be visiting the UK in September for Bloody Scotland.
White Lotus meets Only Murders in the Building: a wealthy American widow’s French cruise turns into a deadly mystery.