Thatcham publisher relaunches 70s thriller that became a Clint Eastwood movie

A Thatcham publisher has relaunched a 70s thriller novel that was adapted into a Clint Eastwood movie.

Mach6 publications purchased the copyright of Craig Thomas’ Firefox last April when it was sold at auction.

Also included in the sale was copyright of the sequel, Firefox Down and 16 other books, two written under the name of David Grant.

The book has been made available in local bookshops since October 27.

The tale was adapted into a film in 1982, directed by Clint Eastwood who also starred as the protagonist Mirchell Gant.

The story follows a joint CIA and MI5 mission to steal a fighter plane – Firefox – from the Soviet Union using American fighter pilot and spy Gant.

For the first time, the stories will also be published as e-books.

Director Sue Everett, said: “I am incredibly excited at introducing Craig’s stories to a 21st Century audience.

“There is a whole new generation of readers to reach, who I am hoping will become the next fans of these exceptional espionage and action adventures.”

The former Thatcham town councillor continued: “It was a chance discussion with a friend that led me to find out about Craig’s copyright going to auction – four days before it happened.

“This was my first time taking part in an auction, but I was gripped with the adventure of relaunching Craig’s work and was delighted and amazed that mine was the successful bid.

“I knew that this was a unique opportunity and am delighted that, with the help of Craig’s nephew and lifelong friend, my company has partnered up with a top literary agency and well-known publishers in the UK and USA to relaunch Craig’s work.”

The company has plans to publish the other 14 novels over the next few years in the UK, Commonwealth and USA.