Simon & Schuster acquires three Hammer novels

Simon & Schuster Australia (S&S) imprint Summit Books has acquired ANZ rights to 3 novels by Chris Hammer from Grace Heifetz at a4 Literary, with UK rights sold to Rachel Hart at Wildfire by Felicity Blunt via Heifetz at a4.

Summit Books publishing director Jane Palfreyman, who previously published Hammer’s work at Allen & Unwin (A&U), said: “Working with Chris has been one of the joys of my career. It’s hard to believe that in just 8 years he has written 8 acclaimed bestsellers, inspired two successful global TV adaptations with another two in production, and achieved sales of over a million copies. And he’s just getting started! Chris is a superb writer: his books are layered, suspenseful, gripping and unforgettable; he is also adored by readers and booksellers alike. I am over the moon to be publishing Chris again and proud to welcome him to Summit Books and S&S.”

Hammer’s debut crime novel Scrublands was published by A&U in 2018, and went on to win the award for best debut crime novel at the 2019 Dagger awards. It was also adapted for television. His most recent novel, Legacy, was published by A&U in 2025.

Hammer said he was “absolutely thrilled” to be signing with S&S. “I am so excited to be working once again with the brilliant Jane Palfreyman, and I look forward to this next stage in my career with gratitude and anticipation.”

Hammer’s ninth novel, Full Circle, is “a propulsive standalone thriller set in Sorrento, Victoria, and described by the author as Succession meets The Big Short,” said S&S.

Said Heifetz of the 3-book deal: “It is wonderful to have the OG team back together. Jane has been the champion and passionate publisher of Chris’s crime novels from the very beginning. May the Hammerverse continue to flourish!”

S&S plans to release Full Circle in all formats on 29 September 2026.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions