K L Slater joins PMJ with first hardback coming this summer

Penguin Michael Joseph (PMJ) has acquired a new thriller, Message Deleted, from K L Slater. This moves the hitherto digital-first author, published with Bookouture, into print for her first traditional thriller publication. 

Publisher Joel Richardson acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, in two books, from Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson. 

Message Deleted is billed as “a high-concept psychological thriller packed with twists”. It tells the story of Saffy, a woman who receives a troubling message from her best friend asking for help, only to watch the message vanish from her phone seconds later. When she races to her friend’s house it seems everything is fine, and her friend denies having ever sent the message – but then only hours later, the friend vanishes, leaving Saffy as the prime suspect. 

Message Deleted will publish in hardback, e-book and audiobook on 18th July 2024. 

Slater said: “I’m delighted to find a home for Message Deleted with PMJ. This book is possibly my paciest, twistiest thriller yet! I will continue to write for my loyal audio and digital readers but I am beyond excited by this opportunity to move into traditional print and reach a brand-new audience.” 

Richardson said: “In my role I get pitched a lot of thrillers, and I can’t remember the last time a story hooked me as immediately as Message Deleted. And – which won’t surprise any of the millions of people who have devoured Slater’s bestselling books already – the only thing better than the pitch is the book itself, with twist and twist right up until the extremely satisfying conclusion. I can’t wait to publish this book to the widest possible audience this summer.”