Orion Fiction snaps up three new crime novels from Mandasue Heller

Orion Fiction’s Leodora Darlington has acquired world all-language rights to three new crime novels by Mandasue Heller, from Sheila Crowley at Curtis Brown.  

Orion will publish the first thriller, Mandasue’s 20th title, The Family, in July 2024 in hardback, e-book and audiobook. 

In The Family, it seems like coffee shop worker, Cheryl’s luck has changed when handsome Dale’s family buys the house across from her on the estate. “Suddenly, the loan sharks threatening her because of her no-good ex’s debts leave her alone, and when her elderly neighbour’s daughter tries to steal from him with her junkie friends, Dale scares them off”, the publisher teased. “Cheryl finds herself swept up in a whirlwind romance with Dale, and it all seems perfect. Until she meets his family. It’s clear that they have dangerous secrets to hide, but when a shocking surprise leaves Cheryl inextricably tied to Dale, getting away from the danger might not be so easy.” 

Darlington said: "Mandasue is a true queen of her craft and I know her eager and waiting fans are going to devour this latest book. It’s a treat of a read.” 

Heller added: “I am delighted to be joining Orion, and excited to be working with my new editor Leodora Darlington on my next book, The Family. This is my 20th, so it feels like a double celebration to be launching it with such a fantastic team behind me. It tackles a number of dark subjects, but I’m firmly of the belief that nobody is all good or all bad, so there are always glimmers of hope to counteract the despair my characters find themselves in. It’s been a great start to the year, and I’m looking forward to embarking on this next stage of my writing journey with you all.”