Hachette nets two ‘spine-tingling’ YA thrillers from debut author James-Mackey

Hachette Children’s Group has acquired two standalone YA thrillers from debut author Tess James-Mackey.

Nazima Abdillahi, editor at Hachette Children’s Group, acquired World rights to Someone is Watching You and You Wouldn’t Catch Me Dead from Stephanie Thwaites and Isobel Gahan at Curtis Brown.

The first, billed as a “terrifying take on toxic friendship” where teenager Nia and her little sister find themselves trapped inside an abandoned prison, will be published on 2nd February 2023. The second, You Wouldn’t Catch Me Dead will be published on 4th January 2024.

Abdillahi said: “Tess’s vivid imagination and gripping storytelling immediately caught my attention, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Her ability to take real-life experiences and struggles and explore them against the backdrop of truly spine-tingling settings makes for an unforgettable read. She is a true talent, and we’re delighted to be welcoming her to the HCG family.”

James-Mackey, described by agent Gahan as “a huge new talent on the YA scene”, commented: “I’m inspired by the weird and wonderful places I visit, and once came across a real-life abandoned prison with a soft play centre I knew would be the perfect setting for a terrifying story.

“As a teen, I remember the feeling of being so desperate to impress my peers that logic went out of the window, which is exactly what happens for the protagonist, Nia. When faced with horrors worse than she ever imagined, she has to risk her popularity and learn to stand on her own two feet. I’m delighted to be working with Hachette Children’s Group and given the opportunity to bring my ideas to life.”