Corvus lands 'twisty psychological thriller' by North

Corvus has landed a new book by Rachel North, who has already published six novels under the name Caroline Bond.

Corvus publishing director Sarah Hodgson acquired world rights in North’s Happily Never After from Judith Murray at Greene & Heaton. Happily Never After will be published in paperback original and e-book in summer 2025.

The synopsis reads: “A fairy tale wedding is what every couple dreams of. But not all fairy tales have happy endings…

“A small group of family and friends head to a secluded location in the mountains of Mallorca for the wedding of Alex and Maddie. The Finca Incantata is a magical place – a castle with a cobbled courtyard, a deep, cold, fresh-water pool and a high tower that looks out over the surrounding wilderness.

“The guests arrive bringing with them their pretty dresses, their smart suits and their own thoughts about the upcoming union and about marriage itself. Among them is one guest who is determined to ensure the wedding does not take place. Who is the malevolent presence? Why do they hate so fiercely and so specifically? And just how far are they prepared go to prevent Alex and Maddie tying the knot?”

North said: "As I child I loved being read fairy tales – the beautiful illustrations used to fascinate me, but I never fantasised about meeting Prince Charming, falling in love and living happily ever after. My make-believe was far darker; full of drama, betrayal and people who were not who they pretended to be. Hence it was, perhaps, no great surprise that I became a writer. I hope that readers enjoy my dark tale of the perils of believing that everyone wishes you well on your wedding day.”

Hodgson added: “Happily Never After is a brilliantly entertaining and twisty psychological thriller that will have readers racing to turn the pages.”