About the 'completely unique' Detective Roger LeCarre

Comedian Fergus Craig has written his first novel, revolving around maverick Exeter-based detective Roger LeCarre.

He performs the character on Twitter videos, parodying police procedural crime fiction - and now his first published adventure, Once Upon A Crime, will be published by Sphere this autumn.

Craig previously released an extract from the book on social media:

Detective Roger LeCarre gets a new partner. pic.twitter.com/UKaMWhi6tT

— Fergus Craig (@FergusCraig) January 19, 2021

He said: ‘I’m delighted that Sphere have given me the opportunity to introduce the world to the completely unique and original character Detective Roger LeCarre – a heavy drinking cop whose talent for solving crime gets in the way of his troubled home life.’

Sphere publishing director Ed Wood  added: ‘Crime fiction won’t know what’s hit it with this hilarious, meticulously put-together "thriller". 

‘It’s so spot on that as a crime fan it’s almost painful – but a joyful pain. We all need a lift at the moment and Once Upon a Crime will do that and so much more.’

The publisher say Once Upon A Crime is ‘filled with drama, eroticism and very specific Wikipedia-sourced information on Devon’ and boast, tongue-in-cheek that ‘LeCarre is a character never seen before in modern fiction - a tough but troubled detective with a drink problem and a marriage in trouble’.

In 2014, Craig - whose TV credits include appearances in Stath Lets Flats  and Hoff The Record - published his spoof advice guide Tips For Actors.

Once Upon a Crime will be published on October 19, and is available to order now.

Published: 3 Feb 2021