Latest News from The Bookseller

Police investigate Fifty Shades 'theft' Police are investigating the alleged theft of a copy of Grey (Arrow), the new novel in the Fifty Shades of Grey series by EL James. The copy of the novel, due to be released next week, was reportedly discovered to be missing yesterday.  Penguin Random House said it could not comment due to an ongoing police investigation, and added: "Grey will be published on 18th June - Christian Grey’s birthday - as planned." It is not known where the copy has been stolen from.

Trade praises Riddell's appointment as children's laureate The trade has endorsed Chris Riddell's appointment as children's laureate, praising his plans to highlight the work of illustrators and librarians in particular. Former children’s laureates Anthony Browne (2009-2011) and Julia Donaldson (2011-2013) both said they were thrilled with Riddell’s appointment, with Browne saying “it’s time for another illustrator and he’s such a nice man – he talks, writes and draws so well”.

Hislop’s sun rises to number one Victoria Hislop proved tougher than the American Sniper, with the British author’s newest release seeing off a single-channel promotion to earn her first number one in six years. Hislop’s The Sunrise (Headline) sold 26,055 units through Nielsen BookScan’s Total Consumer Market in its first week of paperback publication, topping the UK Official Top 50 by just over 3,500 copies. This is Hislop’s first overall number one since May 2009 when The Return (Headline) spent three consecutive weeks at the summit, and her 12th overall pole since 2006.

Edinburgh Festival line-up revealed The programme for this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival’s 2015 has been revealed, with speakers coming from over 55 countries. The festival has an international focus this year, with speakers including American author Marilynne Robinson, Spain’s Jaume Cabré, multi-award winning Danish author Helle Helle and Germany’s Jenny Erpenbeck all attending.

Penguin pens Danger Mouse publishing deal Penguin is set to publish a series of books based on the upcoming Danger Mouse TV show after signing publishing rights from Fremantle Media Kids & Family Entertainment. Next year Penguin will start publishing story books, official guides, sticker books, novelty books, annuals and e-books based on the television show, which will air on CBBC this autumn. The publisher has rights in all English speaking territories, excluding North America.

Sainsbury's relaunches e-book website Sainsbury’s has re-launched its e-book website, featuring a book club, a more user-friendly layout and allowing customers to pay using only their Nectar cards.

Bratchell to leave Vintage after 21 years Vintage marketing director Roger Bratchell is to leave the company after more than two decades. Bratchell’s last day will be 19th June. During his time at the Penguin Random House division Bratchell has overseen campaigns for authors including Ian McEwan, Jo Nesbo, Nigella Lawson, Mark Haddon, Haruki Murakami and Audrey Niffenegger.

Hook appointed as Digital Science m.d. Digital Science has appointed Daniel Hook as its new managing director following previous m.d. Timo Hannay's departure to launch his own education technology start-up.

Campaigners release video ahead of Amazon a.g.m An anti-Amazon campaign group has created a video calling on the company’s shareholders to learn the “full story” of how warehouse workers are treated, timed to coincide with the company’s annual general meeting in America.

Reading Agency hires Pilkington as communications director Matthew Pilkington has been hired as the Reading Agency's  director of development and communications. The charity said Pilkington, who joins the Reading Agency from Buckingham University, will help it expand the reach and impact of its work in the newly created role. Pilkington has also worked in development at UK Community Foundations (UKCF), the membership body for the 48 community foundations across the UK, and at charities such as Age UK and Shelter.

Coelho releases free e-books in 'try then buy' trial Paulo Coelho has made two of his books available for free in digital format, with readers being asked to pay if they like the text. The two books are Brida, available in Portuguese, and Manual of the Warrior of Light, which is available in English. However, only four fifths of Manual of the Warrior of Light can be downloaded, as Coelho does not “have the full version”.

Gollancz creates fantasy adventure app Orion Publishing Group’s Gollancz imprint has created a new handheld fantasy adventure app based on a trilogy of books by Richard Morgan. A Land Fit for Heroes, which will work like a digital version of a Choose Your Own Adventure book, has been created in collaboration with indie developer Liber Primus Games, and will be available for phones and PCs. The game-book will be produced in collaboration with Morgan and the story will run parallel to that of the first volume in his book trilogy, The Steel Remains (Golancz).