Accent signs 'haunting' domestic thriller

Accent Press has signed the "haunting" psychological thriller Waking by Helen Richardson.

The publisher acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Imogen Pelham at Marjacq.

The main character Anna has had nightmares ever since she was young, with visions of terrible accidents and pervading darkness. In an attempt to outrun her demons, she moves to London to take up an exciting new job at the Whitechapel Gallery. Then she bumps into Jack, a man she feels she has seen before, who keeps appearing in her life and in her dreams. They feel an instant connection and start an intense relationship.

Rebecca Lloyd, editorial manager at Accent Press, said: “Helen Richardson’s Waking was one of those books that grabbed me from the start and wouldn’t let me go. I read it in one sitting over a weekend and knew straightaway that hers was a remarkable and exciting new voice. Mixing haunting suspense and romance, vividly atmospheric, Waking is going to be one of the big hits of 2017.”

Richardson said: “Waking consumed my mind for many months before I finally found the right voice for it, before I knew exactly what it was meant to be, how it was meant to sound, and feel. I'm thrilled and overjoyed that this voice has resonated with Rebecca Lloyd and am excited to become a part of Accent's bold and growing offering.”

Waking will be released in September 2017.