Charlotte Mursell, publishing director at Orion, has acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to The Book of Secrets, in a two-book deal with Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment. Orion will publish The Book of Secrets in February 2024 in hardback, e-book and audio.

Charlotte describes Anna’s novel as a “chilling, thought-provoking and darkly delicious new gothic historical novel" which is inspired by the real-life prosecution of Girolama Spana and a shadowy ring of women accused of selling poison in 17th century Rome.

“Anna’s writing is always spine-tinglingly brilliant but her latest novel, The Book of Secrets, took my breath away. The story of legendary Girolama Spana is utterly intoxicating and from the very first page I was swept up in a dangerous world of hidden magic, the darkest secrets, and a powerful desire for revenge. We have very ambitious plans for Anna’s future at Orion and are excited about the many more bestsellers she has to come.”

Anna offered a comment to The Bookseller: “When I first read about the Spana case, I knew I had to write about it, but it wasn’t until I read the notary’s original transcript that I realised how fascinating and murky this prosecution was. I’m genuinely excited to be working with Charlotte and Orion on this and further novels. They have such a clear vision for my books and I’m thrilled they are reaching a wider audience.”