HarperFiction snaps up two new novels by Clarke in ‘major deal’

HarperFiction has struck a “major deal” with Lucy Clarke, author of The Castaways, for two more novels.

Editorial director Charlotte Brabbin acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Judith Murray at Greene & Heaton. The first thriller on the new contract is scheduled for publication in spring 2025, and is set to be another “transporting, exotic-set mystery".

According to the publisher, Clarke’s destination thrillers have now sold over a million copies worldwide and have twice been selected for the Richard & Judy Book Club promotion. Her bestseller The Castaways was a Waterstones Thriller of the Month selection. Clarke’s latest novel, The Hike, was released in hardback on 27th April and her novel No Escape is due for release as a seven-part series for Paramount+ on 18th May.

Clarke said: “I love working with the whole team at HarperCollins, so I am thrilled to have signed for a further two novels. My editor, Charlotte Brabbin, and publisher, Kim Young, share brilliant instincts, apply sharp strategy and have a true passion for publishing. I couldn’t wish to be supported by a more brilliant and dynamic team. It’s been a thrilling couple of years in my publishing journey - and I’m excited to see the shape of things to come.”

Murray said: “I am thrilled that Lucy and I are continuing our publishing journey with the wonderful Charlotte Brabbin and Kim Young and their team at HarperCollins. Their passion, energy, tenacity and creativity are matched only by Lucy’s brilliant writing and smart thrillers, and her talent for creating relatable and complex female characters and relationships. It’s been fantastic to see readers discovering her new novel, The Hike – and I can’t wait to see where the future takes us with this new book deal.”

Brabbin added: “Lucy is a major talent, and we’re absolutely delighted to be embarking on this new publishing chapter. Lucy’s ability to both engage readers with her emotionally layered stories and transport them away with her gorgeous, far-flung settings is absolutely best in class. It’s such an exciting year ahead with the upcoming TV adaptations for Paramount+, and we’re sure that Lucy’s already stellar reputation and fanbase is only set to grow.”