Headline clinches Ashley Elston's latest thriller in major deal

Headline has clinched Ashley Elston’s latest thriller, Anatomy of an Alibi, in a major deal for publication as a lead hardback in early 2026. 

Publisher Sherise Hobbs bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Rachel Clements at Abner Stein, acting on behalf of Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord Literistic. North American rights went to Pamela Dorman, vice-president and publisher of Pamela Dorman Books/Viking. 

Elston’s debut adult thriller, First Lie Wins (also Headline), was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick and instant New York Times hardback bestseller. Film and TV rights were optioned by Octavia Spencer and Krista Vernoff and a TV series is currently in development for Hulu. 

Hobbs said: “Clever, dark and twisty, Anatomy of an Alibi has an ingenious set up: what if giving another woman the perfect alibi makes you the prime suspect in a murder? Ashley Elston is one of those rare authors who creates characters you care about and twists that leave you breathless. It’s no surprise that she has built such a huge global fanbase, and we can’t wait to share her new novel with all her readers in the UK and beyond.” 

Elston added: "I’m thrilled to continue publishing with Headline. This one is going to be just as twisty and tricky as First Lie Wins! Can’t wait to share it with you.”