HarperFiction prescribes another 'gripping' dose of Shemilt

HarperFiction has signed another "gripping" novel by Jane Shemilt. 

Phoebe Morgan, editorial director, bought UK and Commonwealth rights to The Therapist from Eve White at the Eve White Literary Agency. North American rights were acquired by Rachel Kahan at William Morrow in the US. It will publish in April 2023. 

It is described by the publisher as a gripping suspense novel that opens on the island of Paxos. The devastating consequences of an incident perpetrated by the drunk guests of a wealthy English holiday homeowner play out in a twisty story of revenge and hubris that spans 20 years.  

Shemilt is the bestselling author of Daughter (Michael Joseph) and four other thrillers. She moved to HarperCollins for her fifth book, The Patient, which published on April 28th.  

Morgan said: “Jane Shemilt is a nuanced, clever, emotionally accurate writer who delivers high-quality novels that never fail to impress. She’s the queen of the ‘what-if’ scenario and The Therapist questions: what if the life of an innocent child was carelessly fractured by entitled adolescents? What if the crime came back to haunt the perpetrators in ways they could not possibly imagine? Jane’s novel is a rich tapestry with underlying themes of class, female empowerment and the arrogance that comes with privilege and it’s a joy to continue to publish her at HarperFiction.” 

Shemilt added: “I am so lucky to be published by HarperCollins on both sides of the Atlantic. Phoebe Morgan at HarperFiction UK and Rachel Kahan of William Morrow US looked after The Patient with stunning care and I am utterly thrilled that our partnership will continue for The Therapist.” 

White said: “Each time Jane delivers a new manuscript I know I’m in for a treat and The Therapist exceeded my high expectations. Part of me wanted to read it slowly to savour the beauty and tragedy in Jane’s writing but her fiendish mystery and its elusive solution left me hungry to turn the pages.”