HC snaps up Clarke's 'killer' thriller in two-book deal

HarperCollins has snapped-up The Hen Weekend, a “killer” new thriller by Lucy Clarke, in a two-book deal.

HarperFiction executive publisher Kimberley Young and senior commissioning editor Charlotte Brabbin acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, including Canada, from Judith Murray at Greene & Heaton.

Clarke first came to HarperCollins in 2012 with her debut The Sea Sisters, a Richard & Judy Book Club choice. She has since published four other novels with HarperCollins.

The publisher said: “The Hen Weekend is a dark, exotic thriller that unfolds against the backdrop of a stunning, sun-soaked Greek island – the seemingly perfect destination to celebrate a bride-to-be’s upcoming nuptials. Yet there are dangerous undercurrents running beneath the sunset swims and midnight cocktails. Secrets and rivalries rise within the group – the hens might not be counting down to a wedding, but a funeral.”

HarperCollins will publish The Hen Weekend in spring 2022. It will follow Clarke’s latest novel, The Castaways, a “gripping destination thriller” set to be a lead hardback in March 2021 and already tipped by Marie Claire as one of 2021’s best reads.

Clarke said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to be signing a new deal with the incredibly talented team at HarperCollins. We've worked together since my debut, The Sea Sisters, and they continue to be my dream publishing home. I'm hugely excited by their creative and brilliant publishing plans for my next two novels – and beyond.”

Brabbin said: “Lucy Clarke is such a knock-out writing talent – her books just get better and better, and I know she has so many avid fans both inside HarperCollins and out. We have big, ambitious plans for The Castaways next spring. And to be able to follow that with a killer new novel, The Hen Weekend – at a time when readers’ appetites for far-flung escapism and gripping armchair travel will be stronger than ever – is hugely exciting. We can’t wait to begin our next chapter with Lucy.”