'Darkly funny' debut out soon

Graham Norton has written his first novel.

Publishers Hodder has bought the  'darkly funny' debut – but it doesn't have a title yet.

The novel is set in a 'small town with big secrets' that unravel with a grim discovery on a building site, while characters include a mysterious family of three spinster sisters and a town  gossip. 

Publisher Hannah Black said: 'I’m thrilled to be publishing Graham’s first novel and to be launching what we believe will be a major new career for him as a novelist. 

'This is a darkly funny book, Graham is a skilled storyteller, the writing impressively broad and layered. He knows this world and he understands people, their secret passions, and motivations, and that is in part what helps to make this such an accomplished and compelling debut.'

Norton added: 'Like so many other people I've always wanted to write a novel and I'm both proud and shocked that I have finally done it."

'It's a mixture of mystery and romance set in a part of the world I love. When I read, I like a book that is driven by the plot and I hope that is what I've done in my own novel. 

'It is very nerve-racking to finally be handing my story over to the world but I can truthfully say I have loved the time I have spent with these characters so now I just hope that readers do as well.'

The news comes as it was revealed that Miranda Hart's new book is finally being published, almost three years after she lost a draft manuscript when her laptop was stolen.

Published: 17 Mar 2016