Headline Review snares Maggie Stiefvater’s adult debut in 48-hour pre-empt

Headline Publishing Group has acquired The Listeners, the debut adult novel by Maggie Stiefvater.

Editorial director Frankie Edwards acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in the novel from Bill Hamilton at A M Heath, on behalf of Richard Pine of Inkwell Management, in a 48-hour pre-empt. US rights were pre-empted by  editor-in-chief at Viking, Andrea Schulz. Translation rights have been sold in 12 territories and counting.

Headline will publish the book as a global lead launch, alongside the US launch, in June 2025, and will support  publication with a “top-tier” marketing and publicity campaign.

The Listeners is set high in the Appalachian mountains, in a place quite unlike any other – the Avallon Hotel which is run by enigmatic general manager, June Hudson.

The synopsis states: “The Avallon is famed for offering unrivalled luxury to those who come to indulge in its beautiful hot springs and healing waters. But when the hotel is called upon to help the war effort, hosting 300 diplomats and Nazi sympathisers, dark alliances and unexpected attractions begin to crack the polished veneer of the hotel. And only June knows the sacrifice required to keep everyone happy…”

Edwards said: “Maggie’s novel is smart, sweeping and sexy, beautifully written and impossible to put down. I can’t wait to share it with readers who have loved her for years and with those about to discover her immense talent.”

Stiefvater, whose previous YA novels include The Raven Cycle and Shiver (Scholastic), said: “The Listeners is the most ambitious novel I’ve ever written; I’m trying to invent a new genre – not horror, but rather, wonder. I wanted to give equal weight to the astonishing true story, to the mythic hot springs and to a character I hope will leave a lasting impression: June Hudson, the Avallon’s indefatigable manager.”