HQ signs 'thrilling' Abdullah courtroom drama

HQ will publish a crime novel about a courtroom drama involving a teenager’s reported sexual assault, Take it Back, from travel writer and author Kia Abdullah.

Editorial director at the HarperCollins’ imprint Manpreet Grewal acquired the rights from Jessica Faust at BookEnds Literary Agency in the US, to Take It Back and one other novel. Take It Back will be publishing in hardback, trade paperback, e-book and audio in September 2019 by HQ.

In Take It Back, Zara Kaleel works with victims of sexual assault. One day, a 16-year-old girl with a facial deformity walks into her office and accuses four of her Muslim classmates of raping her, the blurb reads. As everything around Zara begins to unravel she becomes even more determined to get Jodie the justice she’s looking for. But at what price?

Grewal said: “Take It Back blew me away. This is more than just a thrilling courtroom drama – it also tackles difficult questions about contemporary British society. It takes the big meaty issues, strips away all the smoke and mirrors and puts it all up front and centre.”

Abdullah, who is a journalist and travel writer, said: “Take It Back tackles some deeply emotive issues and I’m thankful for the support of Manpreet and the bold and talented team at HQ in helping me reach as many readers as possible.”

Abdullah has written for the Guardian and the New York Times and is a regular contributor to the BBC. She is a brand ambassador for Lonely Planet and the founding editor of outdoor travel blog Atlas & Boots. She has previously had novels published by small indie presses Adlibbed and Revenge Ink.