If He Wakes thriller debut to Canelo

Canelo has signed a psychological suspense novel about two women who learn "harrowing truths" about their partners.

Louise Cullen, editorial director at Canelo, acquired World English Language rights to If He Wakes by Zoe Lea from Jane Gregory at Gregory & Co.

The title tells the story of two women who learn harrowing truths about the men they love and are forced to examine the limits of their loyalty to their respective partners, and to one another.

Cullen said: "I was gripped by If He Wakes from the first page, when a woman decides to follow her husband who she suspects of having an affair and instead witnesses his car being used in a hit and run that leaves a man in a coma. Zoe demonstrates fantastic skill in the way she reveals the puzzle pieces in this dual narrative novel and the pace is relentless. She is a brilliant addition to the Canelo frontlist."

Lea said: "I'm thrilled to have this opportunity and can't wait to see what the year ahead brings."

Lea lives in the Lake District with her husband and their children. If He Wakes is her first novel and will be published in April 2018.