Transworld signs three from debut author Lamb

Transworld has acquired three novels by debut author Victoria Lamb, all set in the time of Elizabeth I's reign.

Publishing director Selina Walker bought world rights in the trilogy from agent Luigi Bonomi, and will publish the first of the novels, The Queen's Secret, in early 2012.

The Queen's Secret will focus on the love triangle between Elizabeth I, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and the Countess of Essex, with the tale observed by Lucy Morgan, a black singer at the court. The second book will focus on Lucy's relationship with William Shakespeare. She is thought to possibly be "the dark lady" he dedicates a number of his sonnets to. The third book follows Lucy as she falls for the charismatic Earl of Essex.

Walker said: "Historical fiction, particularly fiction set around the Tudor period, is hugely popular. The author is passionate about her research, and will write a book a year, and The Queen's Secret is a really entertaining, page-turning read.

"I couldn't be more excited about it".