Zaffre snaps up 'riveting' Bradley suspense thriller debut

Zaffre has snapped up debut author Kate Bradley’s “riveting” suspense thriller, To Keep You Safe.

Editorial director Katherine Armstrong bought world rights in a two-book deal from Jane Gregory at Gregory & Co, part of David Higham Agency. The Bonnier fiction imprint will publish in March 2020.

Education worker Bradley’s novel follows ex-soldier-turned-teacher Jenni Wales, who stops the potential abduction from school of 15-year-old Destiny, one of her vulnerable pupils, and then tries to protect her. The synopsis states: “When social services and the police don’t take the threat seriously, Jenni does the only thing she can think of to keep Destiny safe: she takes her. With the men that are after Destiny close behind them, Jenni must keep her safe at all costs. But what if what Jenni thought she saw isn’t the truth at all? What if the truth is darker than either of them want to face?”

Armstrong said: “I first met Kate when I mentored her on the fantastic WoMentoring project a couple of years ago and it’s so exciting to now be publishing her. To Keep You Safe is at once a gripping and carefully crafted thriller, but it also raises relevant questions about serious issues and points out where the system can fail those who are most vulnerable and in need of protection. is a thrilling new talent and I can’t wait to get the book into the hands of readers.”

Bradley added: “After working for many years with adults with challenging behaviour, I’m only too aware at how unhappy childhoods can cast long shadows into later life. Arguably, today’s teenagers face evermore complex challenges and tragically it’s often the most vulnerable that encounter the most dangerous situations; in Destiny’s case it’s gang exploitation and trafficking – a global issue with terrifying personal consequences. I’m thrilled to be working with Katherine and the dynamic team at Zaffre. Katherine has taken time to nurture my writing, which is above generous in such a busy industry, so I’m obviously delighted with this opportunity.”