Orbit nets Fracassi’s folk horror cult hit Boys in the Valley 

Orbit UK has signed Philip Fracassi’s cult hit Boys in the Valley, described by the publisher as “an atmospheric and chilling folk horror" set in an orphanage in turn of the century Pennsylvania. 

Commissioning editor Nadia Saward bought UK and Commonwealth rights at auction in a two-book deal from Chris Scheina at Macmillan US, with Tor Nightfire holding North American rights.

Originally published by Earthling in 2021 as a limited edition hardback, Boys in the Valley sold out within a month and quickly gained a cult following, with award-winning horror author Victor LaValle saying of the author: "Fracassi makes terror read so damn beautifully."

Orbit UK will be publishing simultaneously with Tor Nightfire in July 2023. Fracassi said: “I’m excited to be working with Orbit UK on this novel and can’t wait to get the story to more readers worldwide. Prepare to be scared.”

Saward said: “We’re in the midst of a horror renaissance right now, and this book is a feast for horror fans. Suspenseful, terrifying and heart-breaking in equal measure, this is a refreshing twist on the possession novel that will chill readers to their core. Philip is an exceptional horror writer and I’m thrilled to be publishing his work in the UK."