Century wins two books from Sabine Durrant in 'heated' three-way auction

For Thurs 3rd Oct 

Century has triumphed in a three-way "heated" auction for a two-book deal from Sabine Durrant. 

Publisher Selina Walker acquired British Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, with Europe from Judith Murray at Greene & Heaton. The first book in the deal, provisionally titled Deep Water, will be published in spring 2026. 

Murray called Durrant’s writing "stylish" and "iconic", adding that: "I feel sure that her best is now to come with her latest novel Deep Water in her new publishing home with Selina and Century." 

The story followers formern journalist Matt Grimshawe, who is looking for a new job and girlfriend. 

The synopsis for Deep Water continues: "Matt has spent years insinuating himself into the lives of his oldest friends, and is looking forward to spending the summer with them in their beautiful villa. They soon discover a new friend, wealthy tech unicorn, Reynash de Souza, who is throwing lavish parties in his new house on the headland of the bay. As the days become hotter, the parties wilder, and the dreams and motivations of all the characters darker, Matt becomes increasingly resentful of his friends’ lives until there is a terrible accident – or is it murder?" 

Walker commented: "Durrant’s writing is elegant, textured and full of dark tension as she plays with the tropes and conventions of psychological suspense while expertly working in homages to Highsmith’s Tom Ripley in Matt Grimshawe, as well as The Great Gatsby in the person of tech entrepreneur Reynash de Souza." 

Durrant added: "I’m thrilled to be joining Century and to have the opportunity to work with Selina Walker and her brilliant and dynamic team. I’ve admired her list from afar and to be part of it is very exciting."