'Original' take on psychological thriller to Del Rey

Ebury imprint Del Rey has acquired The One, an "original and modern take on a psychological thriller" by John Marrs. The book was originally self-published under the title A Thousand Small Explosions.

Ebury commissioning editor Emily Yau acquired world all languages rights directly from the author and film and TV rights have been optioned by Urban Myth films.

Del Rey will publish in e-book in January 2017 and in paperback in May 2017.

The publisher describes the book as "'Love Actually with the darkness of 'Black Mirror'." A gene has been found that identifies your soulmate and it only takes one simple mouth swab to find your perfect partner. The One shares stories from the perspectives of five individuals searching desperately for the one person they share this gene with. But even soulmates have secrets and some are more shocking – and more deadly – than others.

Marrs said: "When I first came up with the idea of The One, I hoped it would resonate with readers and encourage them to ask themselves what they would do if such a test existed. Their response was amazing, but to be approached by Del Rey was a genuine jaw- dropping moment. Their immediate passion and enthusiasm for the project was overwhelming. To say that I’m excited to be working with Del Rey is a whopper of an understatement."

Yau said: "I was so excited when I came across John’s novel – the originality of the premise shines through and you immediately feel at home in the world of its characters and the Match Your DNA set-up. In The One, John has crafted a truly remarkable piece of fiction: it is the true definition of a page-turner and we’re thrilled to be publishing it."