Author Nigel McDowell, whose debut novel, Tall Tales from Pitch End, was published in 2013 and The Black North a year later, died February 7. He was 34. Georgia Murray, his editor at Hot Key, said McDowell "was a writer of such talent, with an entirely original voice. It was an honor to work with him on his novels, and I'll miss him greatly. The world of children's books is a lesser place without him." Hot Key will publish his final book, The House of Mountfathom, in 2017.
"We're all devastated to hear the news of Nigel's passing," said Jane Harris, executive director of children's fiction at Bonnier Zaffre. "He was a core Hot Key author, having been with the list since the very early days and it's incredibly sad to know that he won't see The House of Mountfathom published. It's always a shock to lose someone so young and talented, and with so much more to give but at least we can bring this final book to the shelves so more readers get the chance to appreciate his storytelling."