Viper wins Dave’s 'pulse-pounding thriller'

Miranda Jewess, senior commissioning editor at Serpent's Tail imprint Viper, has acquired The Last Thing He Told Me by US author Laura Dave after a four-way auction.

Jewess acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Anna Dixon at WME on behalf of Suzanne Gluck. The novel will be published in May 2021, with Simon & Schuster publishing simultaneously in the US.

The Last Thing He Told Me will follow Hannah, as she forms an unexpected relationship with her 16-year-old stepdaughter Bailey while searching for the truth about why her husband has mysteriously disappeared. 

The novel is currently being adapted into an Apple TV series, co-created by Dave and Oscar-winning screenwriter Josh Singer. The series will be produced by Reese Witherspoon’s production company Hello Sunshine, with Julia Roberts on board to star and serve as an executive producer.

Jewess commented: "I am so proud that Viper will be publishing Laura Dave’s stunning novel in the UK. It is both a beautiful depiction of a stepmother and daughter’s complex relationship, and a pulse-pounding thriller. I can’t wait for readers to meet Hannah and Bailey."

Dave said: "I'm beyond thrilled to sign with such a modern, energetic imprint as Viper. Their writers are an exciting mix of established names and new talents, and I'm honoured to be part of the team. I'm certain that there my books have found a perfect home."

Dave is the author of novels such as Hello, Sunshine (Simon & Schuster, 2017) and Eight Hundred Grapes (S&S, 2015).