HQ Digital signs new thriller from Louise Mumford

HQ Digital has signed a new thriller from author Louise Mumford, due to be published in May 2022.

Commissioning editor Dushi Horti negotiated the deal for world English rights from Kate Shaw at the Shaw Agency. Mumford's debut Sleepless (HQ Digital) has been optioned for TV by Insurrection Media. Her second novel is currently untitled. 

The publisher explained: "The story follows asthmatic teenager Esther Allbright, who has always believed that the air outside the bunker she shares with her mother will kill her. When an injured stranger appears at their front door one day, it becomes clear that he hasn’t stumbled upon them by accident. As she begins to unravel her mother’s lies, Esther realises the house she considers her sanctuary has a deadly secret…"

Mumford said: "It is a total joy and privilege to be part of the HQ Digital team and I am pinching myself that I will get to publish a second novel with them. Their support, professionalism and expertise have been invaluable throughout my journey with Sleepless. I cannot wait for May when readers get to meet Esther and watch her unravel her family's secrets and lies."

Horti added: "I am delighted to be publishing Louise Mumford’s second novel, another unputdownable thriller that will have readers totally hooked. We were all so impressed by the page-turning quality and atmospheric detail of Louise’s debut, Sleepless, and I know readers are going to be just as gripped by Esther’s story."

Shaw commented: "I’m thrilled Sleepless is doing so well and that HQ Digital will now publish Louise’s second psychological thriller. Louise’s novels about relatable young women combine our real world fears about insomnia and asthma, with terrifying, twisty plots."