Crime & Thriller Literary Agents

Literary fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, ya, middle grade, crime fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction

Literary and upmarket commercial fiction (including select young adult and middle grade), crime fiction, memoir, and narrative nonfiction

Currently closed for unsolicited submissions

Fiction and non-fiction

Commercial/high-concept fiction with hook (romance/crime/thriller/general), accessible literary, speculative/SFF/horror, fun fantastical MG, big-emotion YA. Less keen on political or gangland thrillers

Email submissions@thenorthlitagency.com when open to submissions

Narrative nonfiction, true crime, psychology, pop culture, technology, pop science, parenting, crime fiction, mystery

Victoria is most interested in expert-driven narrative nonfiction in the areas of true crime, psychology, pop culture, technology, and pop science. She is also looking for investigative deep dives, illuminating books about parenting (either prescriptive or narrative), and anything geared toward a millennial audience. While nonfiction makes up the bulk of her list, she is also willing to consider crime fiction or mysteries that involve a murder.

Email your chosen agent using the address indicated on their page, or via QueryManager if listed. Include the title in the subject line. Paste the first ten pages of your manuscript in the body of the email — no attachments. For picture books, include the complete text, for illustrated work, include a link to your portfolio or two to three PDFs or JPEGs. Do not query multiple Bent Agency agents simultaneously.

Literary fiction, horror, mysteries, thrillers, suspense, fantasy, romantasy, speculative fiction

James represents high concept literary and genre fiction for adults and young adults, co-repping with his colleague Jenny Bent. Together they are specifically interested in compact horror and mysteries with unique hooks and intricate plotting, atmospheric thrillers and suspense novels with a strong sense of place, and unique fantasy/romantasy. They are particularly interested in authors who have successfully been working in the indie space and are now looking to transition into traditional or hybrid publishing. On his own, James is looking for voice-driven literary fiction (including books with genre elements but literary execution) and grounded speculative fiction with high stakes that touches on contemporary issues. Across all genres, he prizes direct, economical prose, complex characters, building tension, narrative gravity, and a distinct sense of humor.

Email your query to James Mustelier at the address listed on his agent page, or use his QueryManager link if indicated there. Include the title of your project in the subject line. Paste the first ten pages of your manuscript in the body of the email — no attachments. For picture books, include the complete text, for illustrated work, include a link to your website or two to three PDFs or JPEGs. Do not query multiple Bent Agency agents simultaneously, if James passes, you may then query another agent at the agency.

Book club fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, thriller, memoir, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, mystery, romance

Erin Niumata represents book club fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, thrillers, memoir, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, mystery, and romance.

Erin Niumata's official profile links to QueryManager, but her official linked QueryManager page currently says she is not accepting queries and will open again before the end of the year.

Literary fiction, literary suspense, thriller, book club fiction, speculative fiction, experimental fiction, true crime, upmarket fiction, crime fiction, literary horror

Danya Kukafka is interested in literary fiction with propulsive storylines, literary suspense, sophisticated thrillers, book club fiction, speculative fiction, experimental fiction, true crime attuned to cultural conversations, upmarket fiction, crime fiction with a literary bent, literary horror that plays with form and structure, lightly speculative fiction, expansive literary fiction, dark coming-of-age, and fun sophisticated upmarket fiction.

Danya Kukafka is currently closed to queries. Her official Trellis profile links to QueryManager, and the linked QueryManager page states that she is not accepting queries at this time and will be closed through the summer.

Fantasy, thriller, romance, commercial fiction

Christina Hogrebe represents authors at every stage in their careers and is drawn to fun, escapist stories that also spark lively debate, especially fantasy, thriller, and romance. Her official profile says she would love to champion an author underrepresented in those categories.

Christina Hogrebe is not currently accepting unsolicited queries. Jane Rotrosen Agency has general submission guidance for open agents, but Christina's official profile controls her current closed status.

General fiction, women's fiction, suspense, commercial fiction

Andrea Cirillo has a strong affinity for female voices and primarily represents writers of general fiction, women's fiction, and suspense, many from debut novels.

Andrea Cirillo is no longer accepting unsolicited queries. Jane Rotrosen Agency asks writers to submit to only one JRA agent, but Andrea's official profile states she is not accepting unsolicited queries.

Fantasy, sf, horror, crime, thriller, historical fiction, urban fantasy, space opera

Wants: Plot-driven fantasy and sf (not tolkien-derivative); monsters/magic; also hybrids incl horror/thriller/crime/historical

Plot-driven narratives where a character faces a problem and the story is driven by forward momentum. Considers all kinds of fantasy and SF but not Tolkien derivatives; likes cool monsters, heavy magic, and magic seeping into contemporary life. Will read urban fantasy but only at the highest quality. Open to space opera, horror, thrillers, crime, historical fiction, and combinations thereof. Not interested in political treatise disguised as fiction, overly whimsical writing, or failed comedy.

Email berlyne@zenoagency.com following the agency's submission guidelines. Currently closed to submissions.

Fiction and non-fiction

Fiction: literary, upmarket commercial, book club, historical, crime, thrillers (no sci-fi/fantasy/children's). Non-fiction: serious/pop science, psychology, feminism, big ideas/current affairs, health/body/mind, personal development, selective lifestyle, narrative/memoir

Email submissions@hardmanswainson.com. Name your chosen agent in the cover email. For fiction, attach a one-page synopsis and the full manuscript. For non-fiction, attach a proposal and a sample chapter, or the whole work if complete. Submit to one agent only.

Literary fiction, historical fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy, romantasy, literary suspense, thrillers, contemporary fiction, short stories, narrative nonfiction

Elizabeth Pratt looks for fiction from diverse perspectives and emerging voices that turns the familiar on its head, recounts history from a different point of view, sheds light on something previously unnoticed, or makes readers think differently. Her wishlist includes character-driven literary fiction, family sagas, place-driven fiction, grief-centered fiction, historical fiction, genre-bending fiction, fantasy and romantasy that breaks common tropes, mythology or folklore retellings, formal experiments, literary suspense, contemporary fiction with young female characters, story collections, and select narrative nonfiction about theater, documenting history, people behind power, and the natural world.

Elizabeth Pratt is currently closed to queries according to her official linked QueryManager page. Trellis accepts unsolicited submissions only through QueryManager and asks writers not to submit to multiple Trellis agents during the 8-12 week review window.

Adult fiction, select children's or ya and non-fiction

Upmarket commercial/book club and accessible literary, female-lens storytelling, historical with hook, romcoms, unusual structures, thrillers/crime with point of difference, select children's/YA crime/thrillers and MG adventure

Email - sohoagencysubmissions@gmail.com

Illustration, picture books, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, thriller, romance, science fiction, horror

Chelsea Hensley represents work across ages and genres, including illustration, picture books, middle grade, YA, adult fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, thrillers, romcoms, science fiction, horror, and BIPOC creators. Her official profile highlights lyrical prose, voice, intricate plots, complex emotional arcs, immersive worlds, bold formal or genre-blending work, smart mysteries and thrillers, arresting horror, fresh fantasy and sci-fi, and author-illustrator picture books.

Chelsea Hensley is currently closed to queries. Her official Mad Woman profile links to QueryManager, and the linked form states that she is not accepting queries while focusing on existing clients and clearing her inbox.

Fiction

Genre fiction, crime and thriller hooks, high concept, science fiction, fantasy, dystopian/post-apocalyptic, speculative/supernatural, horror, spy stories, genre-bending with clear commercial appeal

Email hi.submission@dhhliteraryagency.com with a cover letter, first 3 chapters, and a 1-page synopsis as Word attachments

Fiction and narrative non-fiction

Fantasy and romance, Irish fiction, crime/true crime with focus on victim/family impact, issues-led narrative non-fiction with personal story, psychology and therapy; with a particular draw to unique concepts, complex characters, and family dynamics

Jess Molloy is currently closed for submissions.

Middle grade fiction, ya fiction, adult fiction, non-fiction

Atmospheric, emotionally intense, relationship-led fiction, romance/romantasy, select thrillers/crime, historical with strong relationships, big-idea accessible non-fiction at intersection of science/society, not picture books/poetry/original screenplays

Submit via Query Manager through the 'Submit Your Work' link at https://solasliterary.co.uk or submissions. Include a one-sentence elevator pitch capturing the book's central hook, the first five chapters, and a synopsis of 1–2 pages outlining the full plot including the ending.

Fiction and non-fiction

Non-fiction: craft, cookery, biography, memoir, health, mind body spirit, travel, history, natural history, true crime, pop culture. Fiction: commercial women's, crime, thrillers, literary (not experimental), YA, children's

Agency is currently closed to new clients and not accepting submissions.

Fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, thriller, graphic novels, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, bio, sample pages

Shannon seeks dark gothic fantasy, horror across all speculative levels, science fantasy that blurs magic and science, mysteries with cinematic feel, and graphic novels with found families or unsettling elements. She values experimental styles, unreliable narrators, excellent prose, strange concepts, botanical uncanniness, and stories incorporating religious elements.

Submit via QueryManager only. Select one agent to submit to initially. Include polished query letter, bio, and appropriate sample pages based on format.

Horror, gothic romance, grounded fantasy, thriller, mysteries, commercial fiction, science fiction, speculative fiction, historical fiction, erotic fiction

Wants: Query letter, 10-20 pages, synopsis

She seeks horror across almost all subgenres and age categories, gothic romance, grounded fantasy, thrillers and mysteries with non-cop protagonists, commercial fiction, science fiction, speculative fiction, historical fiction featuring BIPOC and queer characters, and adult erotic fiction especially featuring BIPOC and LGBTQIA characters. She particularly welcomes stories by Honduran authors and Latine/x authors from Central America and the Caribbean.

All ALA agents use Query Manager. Submit to one agent at a time, but if one agent passes, you can submit to up to three agents at ALA. Submit 10-20 polished pages for novels.

Fantasy, science fiction, horror, contemporary romance, mysteries, thriller

Wants: Query letter, bio, 10-20 pages

She intends to represent marginalized authors and is especially seeking to uplift indigenous voices and voices from the Global South. She's particularly keen on growing her contemporary romance, thriller, and horror lists. She's looking for K-drama-style high-stakes romance, queer rivals-to-lovers sports romance, sapphic romantasy, BIPOC vampire horror with social commentary, and sex-positive, kink-positive contemporary romance.

All ALA agents use Query Manager. Submit to one agent at a time with a polished query letter, bio, and 10-20 polished pages for novels.

Historical fiction, foreign fiction, women's fiction, thriller, mysteries, middle grade fiction, history, business, political thought

Wants: Query letter, first five pages

Josh is particularly interested in foreign and historical fiction, women's fiction, thrillers and mysteries, and some middle grade fiction. In nonfiction, he seeks history including micro-histories, business, and political thought.

Send a query letter and the first five pages of your manuscript within the email with no attachments to the appropriate agent. Submit to only one agent at a time.

Non-fiction, autobiography and biography, health, fitness and personal development, humour and language, inspirational real lives, popular culture, history and current affairs, true crime, war and military, crime fiction

Nonfiction across a wide range of categories including autobiography and biography, health, fitness and personal development, humour and language, inspirational real lives, popular culture, history and current affairs, true crime, war and military, and crime fiction.

The Robert Smith Literary Agency is currently closed to new submissions and is not accepting any new book proposals at this time.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, young adult

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, brief bio, title/genre/word count

Literary/commercial novels that tackle timely issues and uncomfortable relationship dynamics. High-concept, character-driven novels with one foot in genre. Delightful and emotionally engaging novels that can be read repeatedly. Character-driven thrillers, speculative, science fiction and fantasy that illuminate the world through imagined worlds.

Submit through Query Manager with a brief bio including writing credentials, title or genre or word count, query letter, and first ten pages.

Upmarket fiction, historical fiction, supernatural suspense

Bold, emotionally resonant fiction with unforgettable characters, strong stakes, and a sense of urgency. Especially drawn to upmarket, historical, and supernatural suspense, with a soft spot for haunting atmosphere, richly layered relationships, and characters who carry deep emotional wounds

Check agent's submission page

Women's fiction, thriller, speculative fiction, commercial fiction, horror, mystery, historical romance, poetry, picture books

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, bio, title/genre/word count

She seeks stories that surprise and delight with characters readers can't stop thinking about and sharp writing. She wants high-concept, twisty stories with strong voices in women's fiction, thriller, and speculative fiction. She's particularly interested in timely commercial fiction where the personal intersects with world events, stories about female rage and friendships, complex family dynamics, incisive horror with social commentary, and atmospheric mysteries set in close-knit communities.

Submit through Query Manager with a brief bio including writing credentials, title or genre or word count, query letter, and first ten pages.

Fiction, nonfiction, women's fiction, romance, thriller, horror, memoir, how-to, advice, relationships, health, wellness, politics, current events, history

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Latoya has represented fiction and nonfiction, with past interests including high-concept women's fiction, romance, thrillers, horror, memoir, how-to/advice, relationships, health and wellness, politics, current events, and history.

No current unsolicited-query route found on the official LCS site. Treat as closed unless a current official submissions page appears.

Fiction and non-fiction

Story-driven fiction: historical fiction, suspense and crime, contemporary women's fiction, genre and book club fiction. Big-hearted love stories, unputdownable suspense, crime series with returning characters, and immersive historical fiction. Non-fiction: experts in their field, commentators, creators with platforms, and memoir.

Viola Hayden is currently closed to new submissions as of January 2026 and will reopen in January 2027. When open, submissions should be emailed to viola.hayden@curtisbrown.co.uk. Include your query letter in the body of the email, a synopsis or proposal as an attached Word document, and your first 10,000 words as an attached Word document.

Literary fiction, crime, women's fiction, narrative non-fiction, children's, picture books, ya

Fiction: literary fiction, crime, women's fiction. Non-fiction: narrative. Children's: picture books to YA

Email submissions to submissions@jennybrownassociates.com for adult work (or directly to jenny@jennybrownassociates.com or lisa@jennybrownassociates.com), or to childrens@jennybrownassociates.com for children's submissions. Write a covering letter in the body of the email. Fiction: attach first three chapters (around 50 pages) and a synopsis in a single document. Non-fiction: attach a proposal and a couple of sample chapters. Picture books: send three complete stories. Illustrators: send samples and a link to your website. Attach text as .doc, .docx, or .pdf, illustrations as .jpeg, .gif, or .pdf. Number your pages.

Fiction, narrative non-fiction, thriller, horror, science fiction, magical realism

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Carson seeks voice-forward fiction with distinct authorial voices and elevated, stylish writing across genres including thrillers, horror, science fiction, and magical realism, with a preference for novels that are hard to definitively categorize. In non-fiction, she looks for narrative works including previously untold history, intimate memoirs, or portraits of contemporary cultural phenomena.

Submit query letter and 5 sample pages through Query Manager with the word QUERY and project title in subject line. Do not send attachments unless requested.

Fantasy, science fiction, horror, young adult, thriller, romance

Lisa is interested in fantasy and science fiction with complex systems, cohesive worldbuilding, moral ambiguity, non-Western settings, marginalized protagonists, and stories driven by character choices. She also wants horror, YA fantasy, YA horror, YA science fiction, YA thriller, and YA romance, and likes non-traditional narrative structures.

Lisa is closed to unsolicited queries. Do not send queries by email.

Fiction, crime, thriller, narrative nonfiction, estates

Cara Jones is an agent at RCW Literary Agency. She handles most of the estates at RCW and is looking for exciting new voices in fiction, particularly crime and thrillers, and thought-provoking narrative nonfiction.

Cara Jones is currently closed to submissions according to her official RCW profile. Please check the official profile for updates before querying.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, crime, thrillers, narrative nonfiction, nature writing, travel, history, anthropology, art, memoir, environment

Voice-driven fiction that introduces readers to different perspectives and singular narrators, beautifully written literary fiction with a strong sense of place, and commercial crime and thrillers that keep the reader on the edge of their seats. Narrative nonfiction that straddles genre, especially nature writing, travel, history, anthropology, art and the environment. Memoir and books by experts and specialists. Would love to find a compelling all-consuming love story, or a food writer of the calibre of Bill Buford or Anthony Bourdain. Does not represent children's, YA or fantasy fiction.

Submissions are currently closed until 1st April 2026. When open, submit by email to sophie.lambert@cwagency.co.uk.

Commercial fiction, contemporary fiction, reading group fiction, historical fiction, saga, police procedural, crime, thriller, psychological suspense, narrative non-fiction, cookery, health and wellbeing, parenting, nature, travel

Fiction across contemporary (funny/romantic/moving/high-concept), reading group, historical, saga, police procedural/crime/thriller/psychological suspense, character-led storytelling (incl unreliable narrators). Non-fiction: cookery, health/wellbeing, parenting, nature, travel, female focus, narrative non-fiction with humour and poignance

Submit via the online form at https://amheath.com or submissions — include a covering letter (max 500 words), a synopsis (max 1,500 words), and the first 10,000 words of your manuscript. Rebecca is currently on maternity leave, submit to a colleague instead. Email submissions@amheath.com only if another agent has requested the full manuscript, you have received an offer of representation, you have not heard back within 6 weeks, or you are submitting a cookery proposal or illustrated children's book.

Upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, mystery, historical fiction, young adult, narrative nonfiction, parenting, relationships

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Ellen likes women's upmarket and commercial fiction, smart original thrillers and mysteries, sweeping or revisionist historical fiction, witty YA with big topics, narrative nonfiction, and books on parenting and relationships.

Ellen Coughtrey is currently closed to queries. The Gernert Company asks writers to email info@thegernertco.com when querying open agents, indicate which agent they are querying, and include a query letter plus a sample chapter if appropriate.

Upmarket fiction, women's fiction, romance, contemporary romance, romantic comedy, romantic suspense, fantasy romance, paranormal romance, mystery, suspense, thriller, psychological thriller, young adult, contemporary ya, ya mystery, ya thriller, ya fantasy

Wants: Query letter, first five pages

Christine is interested in upmarket fiction, women's fiction with crossover or multicultural appeal, romance including contemporary, romantic comedy, mystery/suspense, fantasy/paranormal, mainstream mystery/suspense, psychological thrillers, and emotionally layered contemporary, mystery, thriller, or fantasy young adult.

Book Cents is currently closed to new submissions except by referral. When open, submit e-queries through the site submit button with a query and the first five pages. Book Cents does not send personalized responses unless interested.

General fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, biography, history, african american literature

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

The Philip G. Spitzer Literary Agency lists genres and specialties as general fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, biography, history, and African American literature.

The agency is not accepting new clients for representation at this time.