Tor snaps up Ennes debut in two-book deal

Pan Mac's Tor imprint has snapped up a debut novel described as a gothic masterpiece from Hiron Ennes in a two-book deal.

Publishing director Bella Pagan acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, for Leech and another standalone novel from Tordotcom which will publish the books in the US.

Leech, out in autumn 2022, is billed as “an atmospheric masterpiece set in an icebound castle, which combines gothic family drama with a dawning horror”. Tor explained: “The reader is introduced to a mystery within an isolated chateau. Its baron’s physician has just died, and it seems he was possessed by a parasite. Yet this should have been impossible – as the man’s spirit was already claimed. The secretive Institute sends another doctor to investigate. But in the icebound castle, a pit of secrets and lies, the parasite is already spreading.”

Ennes is a writer, musician and student of medicine based in the Pacific Northwest. Their areas of interest include infectious disease, pathology, and anticapitalistic healthcare reform.

They said: “I'm excited to be working with Bella and the folks at Tor and Pan Macmillan. I'm so happy they have given a home to my strange tale, and I hope readers either enjoy or are horrified by it – ideally both.’

Pagan added: “Leech is utterly compelling right from the start – a mesmerising mix of darkness and drama. And Hiron Ennes is one of the strongest debut voices I’ve read in years. I am simply thrilled to be publishing these two books.”