Hodder strikes two-book deal with Keane

Hodder & Stoughton has acquired two novels from Jessie Keane, including standalone historical thriller, Diamond. 

The thriller will follow the life of Diamond Dupree, who tries to escape her gangland roots by running away to Paris to become an artist’s model. When she flees Paris years later, she leaves behind her a mystery and a dead man. Back in London, she is no longer a bullied child but a feared and respected gangland queen. But then she meets Jacob Dunne, the youngest son of a wealthy aristocratic family, and sparks fly.

Hodder crime and thriller publisher Jo Dickinson bought world English language rights from Jane Gregory at David Higham Associates. Diamond will be published in February 2022, with an untitled second novel to follow. 

Dickinson said: "Jessie writes epic historical crime, full of brilliant characters and stunning pace. I am incredibly excited to welcome her to the Hodder list and we plan to make Diamond a major focus for spring 2022. Hodder will launch a Jessie Keane newsletter this year and Emma Draude at ed public relations will be leading a focused PR campaign. I see real opportunity for growth and the whole team is raring to go."

Keane commented: "I’m absolutely delighted to join the Hodder list. I am loving writing my new standalone novel, Diamond, and I am excited to work with Jo Dickinson, Emma Draude at edpr and the marvellous team at Hodder."

Keane has published 15 novels, most recently The Manor with Macmillan (2020).