Electric Monkey bags ‘addictive’ YA murder mystery from Weston

Electric Monkey has bagged Murder on a School Night, an “addictive” YA murder mystery with a comic voice from author and one-time stand-up comedian Kate Weston.  

Liz Bankes, editorial director, signed English language rights in the UK and Commonwealth, with world translation rights, at auction in a two-book deal from Chloe Seager at Madeleine Milburn. North American rights were also snapped up in a six-figure pre-empt by Sara Schonfeld at Katherine Tegen. 

Murder on a School Night follows sixth formers Kerry and Annie. The publisher said: “They’re nerdy, horny, hilarious and exceptionally uncool. They’re never invited to parties, picked for sports teams or included in jokes, yet together they form a unit so great that they don’t need anyone else. But when they’re approached by the popular Heather and invited to one of the coolest parties in town to help her find out who’s been trolling her from an account claiming to be her dead dad, their investigations take a turn.” 

Weston’s first YA book, Diary of a Confused Feminist (Hodder Children’s Books) was longlisted for the Comedy Women in Print Prize 2020 and nominated for the Carnegie Medal.  

Weston said: “I’m thrilled that Murder on a School Night has found the perfect home with Electric Monkey and Katherine Tegen. I feel incredibly lucky to work with such a dynamic and creative team and I can’t wait for readers to meet Annie and Kerry.” 

Lindsey Heaven, publishing director, added: “Annie and Kerry are the heroines and best friends we, and YA readers everywhere, have all been waiting for – funny, real and relatable. We are utterly thrilled to be publishing Murder on a School Night on our Electric Monkey list – home of award-winning and number one bestselling YA fiction – and to be bringing Kate’s characters and brilliantly funny writing to a wider audience than ever before.”