Ruth Hogan signs with Two Roads for two more

John Murray imprint Two Roads has acquired two more books from Ruth Hogan, author of The Keeper of Lost Things.

Two Roads editor Federico Andornino acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in Hogan’s next novel, The Particular Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes, plus another book from Laura Macdougall at United Agents. This is Andornino’s last acquisition for Two Roads before moving to W&N as commissioning editor; Two Roads publisher Lisa Highton will then take over publishing Hogan's books.

The Particular Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes, due to publish in spring 2018, focuses on Masha, a spirited, independent woman, whose life has been irremediably changed by a tragic event 12 years ago. Unable to let go of her grief, she finds solace in the silent company of the souls of her local Victorian cemetery and in the town’s lido. But a new world of possibilities opens up after a chance encounter with two extraordinary women - Kitty Muriel, a convent girl-turned-seventy-something-roller-disco-fanatic, and the mysterious Sally Red Shoes, a bag lady with a prodigious voice - until the fateful day the past comes roaring back...

Andornino praised Hogan's "unforgettable" characters and "remarkable ability to make the ordinary feel exciting and unique", while Highton remarked on her graceful way of handling serious issues. 

Highton said: "Ruth is a wonderfully gifted writer, capable of dealing with serious themes – loneliness, guilt, bereavement, mental health – with wit and grace. I’m sure The Particular Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes will further cement her reputation as one of the most captivating voices in contemporary reading group fiction."

Hogan said she had been "humbled" by the success of The Keeper of Lost Things. The book, published in January 2017, was selected by W H Smith Travel for its "Fresh Talent" promotion and recently has been named a Richard & Judy Autumn Book Club selection. It was a number one bestseller on Kindle for seven weeks, making it the biggest-selling debut in e-book in John Murray's history,  and according to John Murray it has sold more than a quarter of a million copies across all formats.

Hogan said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be able to continue working with everyone at Two Roads: we make a great team! I am humbled (and still slightly in shock) by the success of The Keeper of Lost Things: over the past few months I have received dozens of lovely messages from readers around the country who have loved Keeper, and I can’t wait to share The Particular Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes with them."