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Journalist's new crime novel in 'undiscovered' top 20

Investigative journalist Don Hale has been chosen as one of 20 undiscovered authors to be launched by Crème de la Crime this year with his novel The Wrong Body.

The publisher launched a search to find the brightest and most exciting crime writing talent and was inundated with hundreds of manuscripts.

Don, a former regional press editor, made the final 20 with a book that is already attracting interest outside the publishing world.

He has been offered a film deal based on the synopsis and 10,000 words, and is looking forward to developments. Production is expected to start in the autumn.

It is a fact-based drama set in North Wales – and is designed to keep people on the edge of their seats, with a twist at the end with an unexpected American link.

Since leaving the Matlock Mercury in 2001, Don has successfully campaigned for the release of Stephen Downing, jailed for 27 for a murder he says he did not commit, and has also written three books, drafted a fourth and written two draft TV drama scripts.

His latest drama book project – Mallard – will be published in the spring and also looks likely to hit the screens.

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