By Georgie Cutler, Eva Lee, Niamh Parr and Emily Retford
Acquisition News
Sangoyomi’s Debut Novel Acquired for Publication in the U.K.
Solaris Books, an imprint of Rebellion Publishing, has signed O. O. Sangoyomi’s debut novel Masquerade for U.K. publication as part of a two-book deal. David Moore at Rebellion acquired U.K. and British Commonwealth (excluding Canada) English language rights from Chris Scheina at Forge Books. Set in an alternate 15th century West Africa, Masquerade is influenced by the author’s interest in African mythology and history, as well as inspired by the Greek myth of Persephone.
The novel follows Òdòdó as her hometown is conquered by the warrior king of Yorùbáland. When the warrior king kidnaps her, she recognises him as the so-called nomad who had visited her blacksmith guild only a few days earlier. As she is whisked across the Sahara to the capital city of Ṣàngótẹ̀, she discovers that he has chosen her to be his wife. Suddenly thrust into high society after a life of servitude, Òdòdó must learn how to work the shrewd members of the court to her favour if she is to survive – especially with threats of war looming on the horizon. As a gift to her readers, Sangoyomi has made the first chapter of Masquerade available to read on her website here. Masquerade will be published in the U.S. by Forge Books on 02 July 2024 and in the U.K. by Solaris on 04 July 2024.
Thomas & Mercer Acquires Two More Crime Thrillers by Caroline Mitchell
Amazon Publishing’s mystery, thriller and true crime imprint Thomas & Mercer has managed to acquire world English language rights to two standalone novels by Caroline Mitchell, crime author and former police detective. The psychological thriller The House on Misery Hill is set in Ireland’s mysterious and moody County Clare, telling the story of a fatal car crash involving two mothers and their babies. When one child survives, only the elusive Maura Claffey who lives nearby knows the truth, amongst the dark hidden secrets of the village. Thomas & Mercer’s editor Kasim Mohammad acquired world rights to the two novels from Madeleine Milburn of Madeleine Milburn Literary, Film & TV Agency. Set to be released in late 2024, The House on Misery Hill will be published as ebook, paperback and audiobook, with another book to follow in 2025.
From book to screen
What to watch?
Fool Me Once on Netflix
Harlan Coben’s adaptation of Fool Me Once is now on Netflix with the series set in the United Kingdom. The eight-part series follows Maya Stern, whose husband has been brutally murdered. She installs a nanny camera for her two-year-old daughter and sees her dead husband in her home. A deep mystery and twist unfold as Maya digs her way through the secrets, truth and her past in a search for answers. Michelle Keegan is announced as the leading lady alongside Adeel Akhtar, Joanna Lumley and Emmett J. Scanlan for the supporting roles. Catch the first episode out now.
Argylle Coming to Cinema Screens
This action-comedy movie adaptation of the upcoming spy novel Argylle is set to be our first insight into a three-film franchise stemming from the works of debut author Elly Conway. The story follows the reclusive author Elly Conway – and her cat Alfie – as she is sucked into the world of espionage that is strangely similar to her novel’s plot. The film adaptation has a brilliant cast featuring the likes of Henry Cavill, Dua Lipa, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Catherine O’Hara, Samuel L. Jackson, Ariana DeBose, Bryan Cranston and John Cena. It has been written by Jason Fuchs (Wonder Woman), directed and produced by Matthew Vaughn (the Kingsman franchise), with original music to be released by Dua Lipa.
The interesting twist in this adaptation is that the identity of the real-life author Elly Conway is also a mystery. Whilst looking into their identity, The Hollywood Reporter failed to discover anything other than that she lives in the United States and is working on turning their first novel (Argylle) into a series (The Hollywood Reporter). The trailer revealed that Elly Conway is the in-universe author of the Argylle novels and the protagonist of the film. The Argylle novel was published on 09 January 2024. You can view the film adaptation of Argylle in cinemas from 02 February 2024 and it will be available to stream on Apple TV+ at a later date.