New HarperCollins Magpie imprint acquires first titles in two-book Purcell deal

New HarperCollins imprint Magpie has acquired its first titles with two fantasy books from Laura Purcell. 

Vicky Leech Mateos, senior commissioning editor at the new YA sister imprint of HarperVoyager, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada and including audio, from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment. The first book, Silver and Moonstone, will publish in autumn 2023 with the next book out in 2024. 

Silver and Moonstone is described as a “claustrophobic, haunting tale told under the full moon – with themes of female survival and divergence”. The second book is a gothic woodland fairytale with a journey of self-discovery. 

Purcell said: “The books I read as a young adult captured my heart. In the same way, these YA novels are stories I’ve been longing to tell, springing from my greatest passions. I am so thrilled they’ve found their perfect home with Vicky and the exciting new imprint at Magpie.” 

Mushens said: “Laura’s spooky and atmospheric chillers are perfectly matched with Magpie’s aesthetic and I cannot wait for her to reach a whole new audience.” 

Leech Mateos addded: “A master at weaving heart with horror, Laura is an author I am incredibly proud to work with and bring to the list. With these new gothic gems Laura will give us something haunting yet sparkling. This is the kind of exciting publishing I hope Magpie will become known for.”