My Penguin Book Deal
It still feels surreal to say this, but it’s officially happening—I’ve signed a two-book deal with Century, of Penguin Random House! Growing up, I devoured their books, never once imagining that one day my own name would be on a Penguin contract. It’s a true dream come true.
A Dream Come True
Penguin books have been woven into my life since childhood—I’d lose myself in their stories, borrowing them from the library and savoring every page. And now, to actually be one of their authors? It’s beyond surreal. The Ice Angels has been simmering in my mind for years, long before I ever typed the first word. When I shared it with my brilliant agent, Madeleine Milburn, I knew my lead detective, Elea Baker, had found the perfect champion.
Sending The Ice Angels out on submission was a rollercoaster—equal parts nerve-wracking and thrilling. I’ll never forget where I was when the email landed. Walking down Lincoln High Street with my husband, the sun shining, the city alive with people, I glanced at my phone—and there it was. Offers were coming in. Right there, in the middle of town, I burst into happy tears! My ever-practical husband didn’t miss a beat, steering me straight to the Cornhill area, where we celebrated the only way we knew how—with fizz and a well-earned meal.
Not long after, I was in London, standing outside the iconic Penguin offices with Maddy, snapping a selfie I will never forget. Stepping inside to meet Claire Simmonds, my incredible publishing director at Century, and her brilliant team only cemented what I already knew—The Ice Angels had landed exactly where it was meant to be.
Why Traditional Publishing?
For years, I’ve thrived as a predominantly digitally published author, reaching millions of readers across the world—a journey I’ve cherished every step of the way. But when The Ice Angels began to take shape, I knew it was time to embrace traditional publishing. The response from publishers was beyond anything I could have imagined, and I’ll always be grateful to Maddy for making this dream a reality. I can’t wait for readers to meet Elea Baker—she’s unlike any character I’ve written before. Her relentless search for missing children took me on an emotional rollercoaster, and, of course, I’ve packed in plenty of my signature twists and turns!
Finland Meets Lincoln
The inspiration for my Finnish detective comes from a personal place—my older brother moved to Finland years ago, sparking my fascination with its culture, landscapes, and people. I found myself wondering: how would a sharp, no-nonsense Finnish detective adapt to the complexities of UK policing? Pair that with Lincoln’s rich history—its stunning cathedral, medieval castles, and even its legendary dragons—and the idea for a Nordic-British crime crossover was born.
What Others Are Saying
Madeleine Milburn, Literary Agent
“Caroline Mitchell, a former police detective, has already captivated readers in the digital space, with over two million copies sold worldwide. The Ice Angels introduces DI Elea Baker, a woman haunted by her past, in a gripping modern crime series infused with Nordic-noir elements. It’s the perfect moment to launch her into the traditional publishing world with Century, a true powerhouse of commercial fiction.”
Claire Simmonds, Publishing Director at Century
“Caroline is a master at her craft. Her writing is compelling, dark, and utterly addictive—everything crime readers crave. Elea Baker is one of the most exciting and original characters I’ve read in a long time.”
From Me:
“The story of The Ice Angels has been haunting my thoughts for years. The moment Claire shared her vision for the series, I knew Elea Baker had found her home. I’m beyond thrilled to be working with Claire and the exceptional team at Century, and I owe a huge thank you to my brilliant agent, Madeleine Milburn, for making this dream come true.”
