Orion Fiction nabs two new ‘spine-tingling’ novels from Mazzola

Orion Fiction has acquired two new novels by Anna Mazzola, author of The Clockwork Girl (Orion), The Unseeing (Tinder Press) and The Story Keeper (Tinder Press).

Charlotte Mursell, publishing director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to The Book of Secrets, in a two-book deal struck with Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment. Orion will publish The Book of Secrets in February 2024 in hardback, e-book and audio.

The publisher describes the novel as a “chilling, thought-provoking and darkly delicious new gothic historical novel" which is inspired by the real-life prosecution of Girolama Spana and a shadowy ring of women accused of selling poison in 17th century Rome. "An exploration of good and evil set within a deeply patriarchal society and a criminal underworld of mystery and sorcery, the book will question whether certain deeds should remain forever unpunished" the publisher said. 

Mazzola is a writing coach at The Novelry and a solicitor working with victims of crime, as well as an award-winning novelist. Her debut novel, The Unseeing, won an Edgar Allen Poe Award and her third novel, The Clockwork Girl, was a Sunday Times historical fiction pick for 2022.

Mursell said: “Anna’s writing is always spine-tinglingly brilliant but her latest novel, The Book of Secrets, took my breath away. The story of legendary Girolama Spana is utterly intoxicating and from the very first page I was swept up in a dangerous world of hidden magic, the darkest secrets, and a powerful desire for revenge. We have very ambitious plans for Anna’s future at Orion and are excited about the many more bestsellers she has to come.”

Mazzola commented: “When I first read about the Spana case, I knew I had to write about it, but it wasn’t until I read the notary’s original transcript that I realised how fascinating and murky this prosecution was. I’m genuinely excited to be working with Charlotte and Orion on this and further novels. They have such a clear vision for my books and I’m thrilled they are reaching a wider audience.”