HarperCollins Children's signs second series from Cleverly

HarperCollins Children’s Books will publish Sophie Cleverly's second middle-grade series, The Violet Veil Mysteries, illustrated by Hannah Peck. 

Editorial director Michelle Misra acquired world rights to three books from Jenny Savill at Andrew Nurnberg Associates representing Cleverly, and Arabella Stein at The Bright Agency, representing Peck. The first title, A Case of Grave Danger, will publish in the UK in January 2021. 

Set in the Victorian period, A Case of Grave Danger follows Violet Veil, who wants nothing more than to become her father's apprentice at Veil & Sons Undertakers. One rainy night, she gets a chance to prove herself when she finds a boy, Oliver, wandering around the graveyard. 

Misra said: “When Sophie and I first talked about her new book, she had me hooked and I could already see that first scene panning out. With twists and turns, and a plot that takes us deep into the murky heart of Victorian times, this series sets the bar high. Roll over Sherlock… there’s a new detective in town!”

Cleverly commented: “I have had a lifelong obsession with the Victorian era, cemeteries, and all things gothic and mysterious – so this was a dream for me to write. I’m so excited to tell Violet’s story, and for her to show the world that even the darkest of times can be filled with joy and adventure.”

Cleverly's debut middle-grade series, Scarlet and Ivy, was also published by HarperCollins Children's Books.