Mantel favourite for Costa award

There could be more success in store for Booker Prize winner Hilary Mantel after she was shortlisted for the Costa Book Awards for her best-seller Bring Up The Bodies.

The novel, the second in a planned trilogy about King Henry VIII's adviser Thomas Cromwell, won the Booker Prize last year and is one of five books shortlisted for the 2012 Costa Awards with the winner to be unveiled later this month.

Among the other works shortlisted are a comic-style graphic memoir about James Joyce's daughter, Dotter of her Father's Eyes, by husband and wife team Mary and Bryan Talbot, and children's book Maggot Moon by dyslexic writer Sally Gardner.

The shortlist is completed by poet Kathleen Jamie's collection The Overhaul and Francesca Segal's first novel, The Innocents.

Ms Mantel is the 5/4 favourite according to bookmakers William Hill, followed by Ms Segal at 3/1.

All five shortlisted writers receive £5,000 each with the overall winner picking up a main prize of £30,000.

The judging panel, chaired by Dame Jenni Murray, includes actress Jenny Agutter, broadcaster Katie Derham and writer DJ Taylor, and will announce the winner at a ceremony in central London on Tuesday January 29.

Costa managing director Christopher Rogers said: "Once again, our judges have selected five terrific books as Award winners from the various categories.

"We're very proud to be announcing such a diverse and excellent collection of books which we know people will enjoy reading."

Last year's winner was historical novel Pure by Andrew Miller.