Setterfield moves to Transworld to publish 'spellbinding' new novel

Diane Setterfield, author of international bestseller The Thirteenth Tale, published by Orion, has moved to Doubleday to publish her new novel.

The "spellbinding" book, entitled Once Upon A River, will be "replete with folklore, suspense and romance", according to Transworld.

It follows Setterfield's 2006 novel The Thirteenth Tale, published in 38 countries, that went on to sell 3 million-copies internationally and be made into a BBC TV drama directed by Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton. Her second novel was Bellman & Black  (Orion) in 2013.

Once Upon A River opens on a dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the Thames. The publisher's blurb reads: "The regulars are entertaining themselves by telling stories when the door bursts open on an injured stranger. In his arms is the body of a drowned child. Hours later, the dead girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life. Is it a miracle, or can it be explained by science?"

Publishing director Marianne Velmans has acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Vivien Green at Sheil Land Associates and will publish in hardcover in July 2018.

Velmans said: "I always wished I had published The Thirteenth Tale, so it is a dream fulfilled to get the chance of publishing this enthralling, richly-textured new novel, which showcases all Diane Setterfield’s brilliant storytelling skills."

Setterfield added: "I’m absolutely delighted that Once Upon a River is in the hands of a team as experienced, talented and creative as Transworld."