Headline Review bags Holsinger novel as Universal snaps up TV rights

Headline Review has scooped Bruce Holsinger's “electrifying” novel, The Gifted School, while rights for a TV version have been secured by Universal Television.

Commissioning editor Jess Whitlum-Cooper bought UK & Commonwealth rights from Helen Heller at Helen Heller Agency in a two-book deal. The novel will be published in hardback, trade paperback, e-book and audio on 1st October.

Rights have also been sold to Riverhead Books in the US, while Universal Television snared rights at auction with company president, Pearlena Igbokwe, declaring: “This book has it all – humour, mystery, biting social commentary and a juicy plot.”

Praised by the New York Times as “wise and addictive”, the novel’s synopsis reads: “The Gifted School is set in a peaceful, privileged community in Colorado, where a group of friends are raising their families in harmony. Until one day news begins to spread that a gifted school will be opening its doors to the neighbourhood, begging the question: just how far will these parents go to give their children a good education, and what will be the ultimate price?”

Whitlum-Cooper said: “This electrifying novel had me hooked from the very first page. Bruce is unbelievably talented at drawing his reader into a world where it’s all about the pursuit of prestige – no matter the cost. I can’t wait to share this book with readers in the UK and beyond."

Holsinger added: "I'm thrilled that The Gifted School has found such a wonderful home in the UK, and I look forward to working with Headline in the years to come."