MJ wins auction for Van Rensburg's 'game-changing' debut

Michael Joseph has acquired The Downfall and Eden Lost by debut author Laure Van Rensburg in a six-figure deal after a six-way auction. 

Editorial director Clio Cornish acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment. North American rights were sold at auction to Wes Miller at GCP by Jenny Bent on behalf of Mushens. German, Norwegian and Italian pre-empts were concluded even before the English language rights were sold and the novel sold at auction in Brazil, Finland, France and Holland.

In The Downfall, "Ellie – a young, inexperienced student – is preparing for a romantic weekend away with Steven, an older, charismatic teacher. Excited to get to know one another better away from prying eyes, they escape to a remote cabin. But when a snowstorm strands them it becomes apparent that they both have dark secrets – and that only one of them will escape the weekend alive."

The book will be a "major" launch for Michael Joseph, publishing in hardback, e-book and audio in early 2022, with a paperback to follow.

Van Rensburg, a French writer living in the UK, said: "I am beyond thrilled that The Downfall has found a home at Michael Joseph. I was overwhelmed by Clio's passion for Ellie and Steven's story and I am excited to work with her and the rest of the team. I'm also grateful to my wonderful agent, Juliet, for her support."

Cornish added: "Come for the stunning writing, stay for the epic twists – The Downfall is a game-changing novel. Shocking, stylish, and fearlessly provocative, it’s a masterclass in atmosphere and suspense and introduces Laure as a powerful new voice. I’m so excited to be working with Laure, Juliet and teams around the world to introduce Ellie and Steven to readers everywhere."

Mushens said: "A stylish, feminist thriller with literary references woven through, and a claustrophobic setting – I devoured it on submission and am delighted that MJ have such ambitious plans for the novel."