HQ acquires 'uncompromising' debut for five figures

HQ is to publish A Home That Never Was, an "exceptional" and "uncompromising" debut by Michelle Sacks.

HQ publishing director Kate Mills bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Amy Berkower at Writers House, New York, for a "significant" five-figure sum.

The debut was pre-empted by Reagan Arthur at Little Brown US and has drawn comparisons to Gillian Flynn and Margaret Atwood. Rights have also been sold in Germany, France, Sweden and Brazil.

Set in the idyllic Swedish countryside, it follows a couple embarking on a perfect new life together, until the arrival of an old friend for an extended stay exposes cracks in the marriage, culminating in a shockingly cruel crime.

Mills said: "As soon as I began reading A Home That Never Was, I was riveted. This is an exceptional, uncompromising debut, exploring the darkest corners of friendship and marriage, and the roles women play as wives, mothers and friends."

HQ will publish in hardcover in summer 2018.