HarperFiction to publish Antarctic-set thriller by R S Burnett

HarperFiction has acquired Whiteout, a thriller set in the Antarctic from Falklands-based writer R S Burnett. 

Morgan Springett, editor, bought UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Jemima Forrester at David Higham Associates in a two-book deal. US and Canadian rights were acquired by Crooked Lane Press, with David Higham Associates handling translation rights. 

Whiteout follows Rachael, a deep-field researcher stranded alone in the Antarctic who loses all contact with the outside world, except for one radio broadcast reporting a nuclear strike on the UK.

Burnett said: "When I first came across the text – now declassified – of the actual radio announcement that would have been broadcast to the UK population in the event of a nuclear attack during the Cold War, it immediately sparked an idea that I couldn’t get out of my head. Several years and many, many hours of toil at my keyboard later, Whiteout is the result of that kernel of an idea and I’m so excited to be working with Morgan and his colleagues at HarperCollins to bring it to readers. As someone who has been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, and an avid writer for almost as long, seeing my first novel out in the world really will be a dream come true."

Forrester said: "Whiteout is one of the most gripping, cinematic, edge-of-your-seat thrillers I’ve read in recent years. Rob brings the freezing Antarctic winter to life as Rachael battles demons, both outside and within. I’m so pleased Rob’s found the perfect home to launch his career with Morgan and the team at HarperFiction."

Springett said: "Rob has written a fantastically tense and gripping debut. Whiteout is that perfect blend of sharp plot, absorbing voice and unforgettable setting. It is utterly transporting, filling your mind with the incessant Antarctic winds and bitter cold—I’ll never complain about the rain on my way to work again. I’m thrilled to work with Rob and Jemima, and look forward to launching Rob’s brilliant writing career."

Whiteout will publish in first format in February 2025. 

Burnett grew up in the Falklands and first wrote for the Islands’ weekly newspaper, Penguin News. Having moved to London and spent more than a decade working for the Daily Mirror and in Formula 1, Burnett returned to the Falklands where he is a freelance journalist.