Legend Press scoops 'tense and twisty' thriller from Witten

Legend Press has scooped a "brilliantly tense and twisty thriller" by Matt Witten, which has also been optioned for film, with Leonardo DiCaprio as producer.

Cari Rosen, commissioning editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, for The Necklace from Anna Carmichael at Abner Stein. It will publish on 1st March 2022. 

The Necklace focuses on one woman’s tumultuous journey to find the truth, with more than just her own life hanging in the balance. The publisher said: "Susan Lentigo's daughter Amy was murdered 20 years ago – and now, at long last, the small-town waitress sets out on a road trip to witness the killer's execution. But on her journey she discovers shocking new evidence that leads her to suspect the condemned man is innocent – and the real killer is still free. With the help of two unlikely allies – a cynical, defiant teenage girl and the retired cop who made the original arrest – Susan battles the FBI to put the real killer behind bars."

Witten is a TV writer, novelist, playwright and screenwriter. His television writing includes shows such as "House", "Pretty Little Liars", and "Law & Order". His TV scripts have been nominated for an Emmy and two Edgars, and he has written four mystery novels. He has also written stage plays and for national magazines.

Rosen said: "We are delighted to be publishing this brilliantly tense and twisty thriller. The breathless race against time to bring the real killer to justice left me with my heart in my mouth as I read. I knew immediately it would be a perfect addition to our list."