HarperCollins wins auction for Holland's Echo Man

HarperCollins has triumphed in a multi-publisher deal for thriller The Echo Man by Sam Holland in a two-book deal.

Kathryn Cheshire, editor for crime and thrillers, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights including Canada from Ed Wilson at Johnson & Alcock. The book will publish in hardback in spring 2022. HarperCollins Holland pre-empted Dutch rights within 48 hours in a five-figure two-book deal, amongst "brisk" foreign interest.

The novel's synopsis states: “A series of shocking murders all copy the MOs of notorious serial killers from the past. But for the Echo Man, this is personal. After a lifetime of studying murders, he’s finally putting his knowledge into practice. And he has one goal in mind: his own masterpiece.”

Holland is self self-confessed "serial killer nerd" who grew up on a diet of Stephen King and James Herbert. She studied psychology at university then spent the next few years working in HR “watching budding psychopaths in their natural environment”.

She said: “The Echo Man was no more than the inkling of an idea for so long, I am beyond thrilled that Kathryn and the team at HarperCollins will be bringing the book to the world. I can’t wait for readers to be introduced to Elliott, Griffin and Deakin, and can only hope they love them as much as I do.”

Cheshire added: “From the moment I started reading The Echo Man, I was completely hooked. The story is twisty and pacy, Sam’s characters come to life so much that I feel like I know them, and the way the killer echoes real-life serial killers makes it the perfect thriller for a true crime junkie like me! I can’t wait until it’s out in the world; I know readers will love it as much as I do.”

Wilson commented: “The Echo Man is an extraordinary book from a serious talent – it will shock, thrill, terrify and enthral you in equal measure. Warning: this book is NOT for the faint-hearted. We’re delighted to find our perfect home with Kathryn and the team at HarperCollins.”