Simon & Schuster Australia Acquires Halifax Crime Series Novels By Writer And Creator Roger Simpson

Simon & Schuster Australia has partnered with award-winning TV writer and creator Roger Simpson to publish three novels featuring Jane Halifax, the star of the much-loved and highly rated series Halifax f.p.

From 1994 to 2002, Halifax f.p. was the most prestigious franchise on Australian television. Starring Rebecca Gibney as forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax, the 21 telemovies achieved record ratings, won awards across every category and attracted the very best acting talent in the country including Hugh Jackman, Hugo Weaving, Frances O’Connor, Guy Pearce, Jacqueline McKenzie, Ben Mendelsohn, Richard Roxburgh, Essie Davis and many more. 

Now, Roger Simpson will take us even deeper into Jane’s world, delving into her past and answering questions the show never did. The program’s revival, Halifax: Retribution, aired on Channel Nine last year and secured more than 1 million viewers each episode. 

‘After twenty years, I really didn't expect Channel Nine to bring back Halifax f.p. – but they did – and with great success. Halifax: Retribution was a rating success here in Australia and has been sold to PBS in the States, with more international sales in the wings. But if that was surprising – the approach from Cass Di Bello was even more unexpected – and flattering,’ said Simpson. 

‘Her enthusiasm to produce Jane Halifax novels has been irresistible, and as someone new to publishing, I couldn’t be in safer hands. We clicked immediately and I hope Halifax: Transgression will give another dimension to what has been a wonderful journey with Jane.’   

Simon & Schuster Commercial Fiction Publisher Cassandra Di Bello said: ‘I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Roger to expand the Halifax brand into novels. The show has proven it can stand the test of time and the success of its revival was impossible to ignore. A strong, ambitious woman that defies stereotypes and operates on her own terms, Jane Halifax is exactly the kind of character that readers will fall in love with and really get behind. Combined with Roger’s sheer talent for creating topical and intricate storylines, I know these novels are going to be a huge success.’

The first novel will be published in 2022.