DHH News Roundup 6th - 12th November 2023
Femi Kayode
We have the first of a smorgasbord of publication day celebrations, to kick off this week's DHH News Roundup.
The second in Femi Kayode's Dr. Philip Taiwo series, Gaslight (the follow-up to his 2021 debut, Lightseekers), was published in hardback, eBook and audiobook by Bloomsbury.
In delightful extra Gaslight news, the book was chosen as one of The Sunday Times' 'Best Crime Books of 2023' and was named November's Book of the Month, with the publication labelling it "outstanding ... This is Kayode’s second novel in the Taiwo series and it brings a refreshing new perspective to contemporary crime fiction."
Additionally, Gaslight was included in Waterstones' roundup of the 'Best Books for November & December', selected as a 'Must Listen' for Apple Books for November and
A truly phenomenal publication week, congratulations Femi!
Eleni Kyriacou
The second publication day comes in the form of Eleni Kyriacou's The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou*.
The book, Kyriacou's second, is a pick for the current season of BBC2's Between the Covers.
London, 1954. Zina Pavlou, a Cypriot grandmother, waits quietly in the custody of the Metropolitan police. She can't speak their language, but she understands what their wary looks mean: she has been accused of the brutal murder of her daughter-in-law.
Eva Georgiou, Greek interpreter for the Met, knows how it feels to be voiceless as an immigrant woman. While she works as Zina's translator, her obsession with the case deepens, and so too does her bond with the accused murderer.
Zina can't speak for herself. She can't clear her own name. All she can do is wait for the world to decide... Is she a victim? Or a killer?
*The deal for the book was negotiated by Abi Fellows while she was at The Good Literary Agency
Anita Frank
Congratulations to Anita Frank; German rights to her debut novel, The Lost Ones, have been sold to Festa Verlag.
Frank's third, and most recent, novel, The Good Liars, was released this summer and was an instant Sunday Times bestseller.
Phillipa Ashley
Our next publication day celebration comes in the form of Phillipa Ashley's new festive romance, Four Weddings and a Christmas, out now in paperback, eBook and audio.
Can the spirit of Christmas reignite an old flame?
With her thriving business Cottage Angels, Freya Bolton prepares the Lake District’s holiday homes for Christmas visitors. It’s her job to think of everything, from cinnamon-scented candles to tasteful decorations and hampers of seasonal treats.
If only her love life were such a success… After being burned by past relationships, she’s now determined to steer clear of love for good.
So when she bumps into gorgeous – and single – ex-boyfriend Travis, a no-strings festive fling seems perfect.
But when her feelings for him begin to develop, is she on track for another romantic calamity? Or could this Christmas give her the gift of true love?
Ali Hendry
A very warm welcome to new client, Ali Hendry, who joins Abi Fellows' list.
Ali is a holistic relationship coach, TEDx speaker and relationship columnist who is working on her first non-fiction proposal.
Sara Barnes
The debut novel from Sara Barnes, The Winter of Our Lives, was published last week by One More Chapter, in paperback, eBook and audiobook.
The book is an uplifting and meditative novel on friendship, the healing power of nature and how we should all embrace and reimagine the winter of our lives as the time of our lives!
She was the only human being down at the lake. Elbows, in need of a slather of moisturiser, pointed at the clouds; breasts, lifted to pre-children perkiness; baby belly stretched and flattened. She stretched her arms out wide as she started to
walk barefoot into the lake. Peering down into the clear water, she pulled down her goggles. It was time to plunge forwards, succumbing to the embrace of the water.
It was as if she were flying.
For friends Stevie, Holly and Angela, the last few years haven't been kind. With marriage breakdowns and sacrifices, their only moments of peace come when they are outside in the wild waters of the Lake District.
Now it's time for these three women to love themselves, just as they love the cold, and take charge of their own happiness in this uplifting and meditative novel of friendship and the healing power of nature.
Anna Jacobs
The new book in Anna Jacobs' 'Jubilee Lake' series, Diamond Promises, was released last week in hardback, eBook and audio by Hodder & Stoughton.
Lancashire, 1895. Abigail Dawson has lived in fear of her father for thirty years. But when, after uprooting them to a grand new home in Ollerthwaite, he's found murdered in the street, her life is turned upside down.
Alone and caught in a web of her father's secrets, Abigail needs someone to rely on - so when hardworking handyman Rufus promises her a new life, she's thrilled at the chance to
have a family of her own. But as they grow closer, could it be more than a marriage of convenience?
Meanwhile, the rebuilding of the Ollerton estate is bringing new life to the valley - but old grudges, and new threats, are disturbing the peace. With plans for the Diamond Jubilee approaching, can the whole village band together to protect their home?
Make it stand out
The much-anticipated next in M. W. Craven's 'Washington Poe' series, The Mercy Chair (June 2024, Little Brown) has netted a couple of lovely foreign rights sales in the past week:
- Swedish rights to Modernista
- Danish rights to Jentas
Natalie Marlow
The paperback for Natalie Marlow's critically acclaimed historical crime novel, Needless Alley (January 2023, Baskerville) was released last week. The book was also a Financial Times 'Best Summer Thriller' pick for 2023.
BIRMINGHAM, 1933.
Private enquiry agent William Garrett facilitates divorces for the city's male elite. With the help of his best friend - charming, out-of-work actor Ronnie Edgerton - William sets up honey traps. But photographing unsuspecting women in flagrante plagues his conscience and William heaves up his guts with remorse after every job.
William's life changes when he meets the beautiful Clara Morton and falls in love. Little does he know she is the wife of a client - a leading fascist with a dangerous obsession. Soon, what should have been another straightforward job turns into something far more deadly.
*The deal for the book was negotiated by Abi Fellows while she was at The Good Literary Agency
Rebecca Templeton
We were delighted to be welcoming another new client to the Agency last week: Rebecca Templeton joins Emily Glenister's list to work on her debut novel, Keepers of Fate, an intoxicating mashup of gothic Victoriana and Greek mythology.
Anna Stephens
Our final publication day celebration goes to the thrilling and epic second instalment in Anna Stephens' 'Songs of the Drowned' series, The Jaguar Path.
The Empire of Songs reigns supreme.
Across all the lands of Ixachipan, its hypnotic, magical music sounds. Those who battled against the Empire have been enslaved and dispersed, taken far from their friends and their homes.
In the Singing City, Xessa must fight for the entertainment of her captors. Lilla and thousands of warriors are trained to serve as weapons for their enemies. And Tayan is trapped at the heart of the Empire’s power and magic, where the ruthless Enet’s ambition is ever growing.
Each of them harbours a secret hope, waiting for a chance to strike at the Empire from within.
But first they must overcome their own desires. Power can seduce as well as crush. And, in exchange for their loyalty, the Empire promises much.
A. J. West
Finally, we are over the moon to be able to announce that A. J. West's second book, The Betrayal of Thomas True, has been sold to Orenda Books in a two-book deal, negotiated by David Headley.
The book is due for publication in June 2024, with West describing it as "[a] thriller, a romance, a mystery and a bittersweet comedy. It speaks of love and bravery in the face of terrible danger, without flinching from Britain’s dreadful history of torturing and murdering gay men for their love. Thomas True demanded a bold and brilliant publisher to have the guts and passion to bring it to life."
Full article here.