Mantle scoops Danielle Giles' debut

Mantle has acquired Mere, the "atmospheric" debut novel by Danielle Giles, along with a further novel.

Publishing director Madeleine O’Shea bought UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from associate agent Jessica Lee at A M Heath. Film and TV rights are represented by Penni Killick at The Artists Partnership.

The book will be published as Mantle’s lead fiction debut title in hardback, e-book and audio in spring 2025, with the second novel scheduled for 2026.

Giles’ debut is described as "a beautifully rendered historical novel set in 990s Norfolk, centring on a crumbling convent and a ragtag group of nuns with less God, more survival on their minds". The synopsis adds: "When a young servant boy goes missing on the marsh, rumours of a devil’s curse quickly gain momentum."

O’Shea said that the book "works swift, powerful magic on its readers", adding: "This is a book about fear and survival, power and position—the setting offering a fascinating insight into a female-led community made up of outsiders: the unwanted sisters, daughters, wives—but it’s also, at base, a love story that cannot leave you unmoved."

Giles added: “I’m incredibly excited that Mere has found a home at Mantle, an imprint which publishes so many authors whose work I love and admire. From the beginning, Madeleine and the rest of the team have been amazing, and I am so fortunate to benefit from their passion, experience and insight. I can’t wait to work with them on bringing this story of messy, wonderful women to the world.”