Raven Books lands two new Laura Purcell novels in six-figure deal
Raven Books has landed two novels "dripping with gothic atmosphere" from Laura Purcell in a six-figure deal.
Alison Hennessey, publishing director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada and including audio, for the two novels from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment.
The first book in the new deal, Something Wicked, is a Gothic suspense set against the backdrop of a Victorian theatre. Inspired by five classic plays, Greek mythology and "The Phantom of the Opera", the book explores obsession, superstition, and the cost of ambition. It is slated for publication in August 2022.
Something Wicked follows Jenny, who is sent to the Mercury Theatre by the jealous wife of the theatre owner, to dress and spy on upcoming actress Lilith Erikson. The synopsis explains: "She finds a woman as astonishing in her performance as she is provocative in nature. As Lilith's star begins to rise, rumours circulate that she has made a pact with Melpomene, the Greek Muse of Tragedy, to become the greatest actress ever to grace the stage. But Lilith is not the only one affected. When strange and disturbing events begin to take place around the theatre, Jenny finds herself wondering if the rumours are true, and fears when the Muse comes calling for payment, the cost will be too high."
Hennessey said: "Laura is such a talent, and just gets better and better with each book. I could not be more happy to have signed up two more dark and disturbing tales from her and to have her characters haunting my dreams — and my nightmares! — for years more to come."
Purcell is a former bookseller living in Colchester, Essex, with her husband. She is the author of six novels, among them Gothic novel The Silent Companions (Bloomsbury) which was a Radio 2 Book Club pick, selected for the Zoe Ball ITV Book Club and was the winner of the W H Smith Thumping Good Read Award. Her short story "The Chillingham Chair" was included in The Haunting Season anthology (Sphere), which was a Sunday Times bestseller. Recently, she wrote "Roanoake Falls", a dramatic podcast for Realm, working with John Carpenter and Sandy King Carpenter.
"The performing arts have taken a serious blow from the pandemic, so it feels like the right time to be publishing a story that reflects my deep admiration and love for the theatre," Purcell said. "Working with Alison and the team at Raven is always a joy, and [editorial director] Katie Ellis-Brown has served as the perfect muse on this project."
Mushens added: "This is potentially my favourite of Laura’s novels so far – dripping with Gothic atmosphere, menace, and the grandeur of the London stage, it’s a wonderful read. I’m so excited for readers to fall under Melpomene’s spell."