A WRITER is hoping to break into the America market as he prepares to launch his third novel based on the North-East’s gangland.

Howard Linskey, 45, formerly of Ferryhill, has written The Dead featuring David Blake.

The book hits the bookshelves in May and it draws to an end the trilogy of David Blake books which also includes The Damage and The Drop.

Now publishing giant Harper Collins wants Mr Linskey, a former journalist, to sell his books in the States.

Mr Linskey said: “My big news is that David Blake, my Geordie gangster, is on his way to the USA.

“ Harper Collins has sent a contract for the first two books The Drop and The Damage to publish them in America.

“I’ve no idea how many Americans will want to read about Newcastle gangsters but lots of them bought Stieg Larsson’s Swedish thrillers so you never know.”

The Dead involves David Blake being targeted by Northumbria Police after he is blamed for the death of a police officer’s daughter.

The plot also see’s the gangster’s accountant arrested for a child’s murder.

Mr Linksey’s said: “This book forms a proper ending to Blake’s story.

“The Drop answers some of the questions raised in the other books like what happened to Blake’s father who vanished in the 1970s.

“It’s great writing about Newcastle. I have fond feelings for the city but there is a very dark undercurrent with some serious crime there.”

Plans are at an advanced stage to turn The Drop into a TV series with a screenplay written by JJ Connolly who also penned the Gangster movie Layer Cake.

Mr Linskey is at WH Smith, MetroCentre, on May 24, and Waterstones, Newcastle, on May 25, to launch The Drop.