An author's debut novel published by Cromer-based company Salt has been shortlisted in the prestigious Costa Book Awards.

North Norfolk News: Xan Brooks. Picture: Courtesy of SaltXan Brooks. Picture: Courtesy of Salt (Image: Archant)

Xan Brooks's first novel The Clocks in This House All Tell Different Times is now in the running for the 2017 Costa First Novel Award, which will be announced on January 2.

Mr Brooks, who lives in Bath, said: 'It's a dark, thorny and sometimes nightmarish book, so I'm still a little surprised when readers tell me they love it. I couldn't be prouder and more happy to have it chosen for this year's Costa shortlist.'

The publisher Salt has twice had books nominated for the Man Booker Prize, as well as the National Book Awards, over the past five years.

Jen Hamilton-Emery, Salt's director, said: 'We're completely bowled over.

North Norfolk News: The front cover of Xan Brooks debut novel, The Clocks in This House All Tell Different Times, published by Salt in Cromer. Picture: Courtesy of SaltThe front cover of Xan Brooks debut novel, The Clocks in This House All Tell Different Times, published by Salt in Cromer. Picture: Courtesy of Salt (Image: Archant)

'It really is a stunning novel whose troubling themes of moral decay and rehabilitation after the First World War are delivered in gorgeous prose.'