Manilla Press pre-empts Justine Champine’s 'intelligent literary mystery' debut 

Manilla Press has pre-empted American writer Justine Champine’s “intelligent literary mystery” debut Knife River. 

Sophie Orme, publisher at the Bonnier Books UK imprint, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Rachel Kind, director of foreign rights at Dial Press of Penguin Random House US, via a pre-emptive deal. Knife River will be published in hardback, e-book and audiobook on 6th June 2024. 

The novel follows a young woman who returns home to the small, claustrophobic town of Knife River. “When Jess was 13, her mother went for a walk and did not return – now, 15 years later, bones have been discovered in the woods nearby,” the blurb reads. “As days turn into weeks, Jess’s understanding of the past, her sister, and herself become more and more complicated – and the list of suspects responsible for her mother’s terrible fate more and more ominous.” 

Manilla Press said: “Beautifully written and soaked with atmosphere, Knife River is the debut of an exciting new writer in literary crime and features a queer protagonist – broadening the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in crime fiction.” The publisher dubbed it an “intelligent literary mystery” and said it has already received praise from Jodi Picoult and Paula Hawkins. 

Orme said: “From its incredible opening chapter, Knife River hooked me in completely. This is a stunning crime novel – slow-burn, beautifully written and soaked with atmosphere, with a rich, unforgettable cast of characters. Justine is a formidable new talent in the genre. I can’t wait for readers to lose themselves in Knife River.” 

Champine said: “Set in an eerie rural town, this is a story about the insidiousness of doubt and the bond between sisters. I loved writing the story of Jess and Liz, and I’m excited for overseas readers to step into their world.” 

Champine’s short fiction has appeared in publications such as the Los Angeles Review of Books. She holds an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College and is a founding staff member of No Tokens Journal. She lives in New York where she has served as an organiser on the NYC Dyke March Committee and at the Lesbian Herstory Archives in resource digitisation.