Flynn moves to Hera from S&S with psychological thrillers

Hera Books has acquired Keep Them Close, a "twisty, unputdownable" thriller from Sophie Flynn in a two-book deal, as the author moves from Simon & Schuster to the independently owned press.

Publishing director Keshini Naidoo acquired world English language rights to two books from Kate Nash at Kate Nash Literary Agency. 

Keep Them Close is about Emily, a Gloucestershire mother of twin toddlers who finds her life entering dangerous territory when she reveals too much about herself on an anonymous parenting forum and is subsequently tracked down. The novel will be published in July 2022 in simultaneous e-book and paperback editions.

Flynn, whose first book, All My Lies, was published by S&S in 2021, said: "I’m excited to be joining the Hera list and to work with Keshini who is such a well-loved and respected editor in the industry. Her passion for Keep Them Close shone through from day one and I can’t wait to bring the book to readers, followed by another thriller in late 2022.”

"I absolutely devoured Keep Them Close from the very first page," Naidoo added. "I’m fascinated by online relationships and how much people are willing to share about themselves from behind the anonymity of a screen, and Sophie’s new thriller takes that idea and builds it into the framework of a contemporary thriller that is utterly compelling. Emily’s story, which begins using a parenting forum as an outlet and then spirals into sharing the darkest secrets of her past, will be recognisable to anyone who spends time online. I’m absolutely delighted that Sophie Flynn is joining the Hera list and so excited to launch this book to readers."

Nash said "Keep Them Close is unputdownable and twisty, the perfect thriller for anyone who has given away a bit more of themselves online than they intended. I am delighted that Hera’s nimble publishing will be bringing Sophie Flynn new readers in both e-book and paperback.”