Moonflower signs 'dark and twisting' gothic debut from Davidson

Indie Moonflower Books has acquired The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond, described as a “dark and twisting” debut novel by Louise Davidson.

Moonflower’s publisher and editor Christi Daugherty acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Kate Nash at The Kate Nash Literary Agency. It will be Moonflower’s lead commercial title for 2023 and publishes in October.

The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond centres around the chatelaine of Mistcoate House in rural Norfolk in the late 19th century. The synopsis says: “When young governess Julia Pearlie takes a job as companion to the aristocratic Olivia Richmond, she is soon inducted into the chilling world of tarot and fortune telling. Davidson draws you deeper and deeper into the story, even as the sense of dread grows stronger with every turn of the page. Perfect for fans of Stacey Halls and Michelle Paver.”

Daugherty said: “From the very first page I adored The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond. This book has everything I love in a novel – a young, fragile heroine, a rambling, isolated mansion, and the long, dark winter just closing in. But Louise has given these elements a fresh, modern touch that makes it all feel new and thrilling. Her writing reminds me, in that way, of Donna Tartt’s – she has the same ability to take an old story and make it completely original. Lovers of gothic mysteries are going to devour this book.”

Davidson said: “I’m so delighted to be working with Moonflower on the publication of The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond. As a lover of Gothic fiction and a Victorian history enthusiast, I have always wanted to tell dark stories set in a world of gaslight and ghosts but, more than that, I wanted to explore the stories of the people living in that world and how they reflect our own anxieties today. Olivia is my first invitation to readers to enter this world with me, and I couldn’t be more excited!”

Nash added: “I’ve been extremely privileged to work with Louise Davidson as a talented new voice, and I’m delighted that Moonflower Books will be launching The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond as their lead commercial title in 2023, an honour for a debut author but deserved because Louise’s writing stands with the very best Gothic tradition: as we turn each page we begin to see that terror from outside might, even more frighteningly, come from within."

Moonflower Publishing was launched in 2021 by husband-and-wife team Jack Jewers and Christi Daugherty. The indie publisher focuses on crime, romance, historical, coming of age, fantasy and thrillers. It won the  Nick Robinson Newcomer of the Year Award from the Independent Book Publishers Association in 2023.