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Pan Macmillan acquires 'sexy thriller fest' debut novel by ex-pop manager
Pan Macmillan has signed a “sexy thriller fest” debut novel by ex-pop manager Melanie Blake about a warring girl group’s reunion.
In a two-book deal, associate publisher for fiction Wayne Brookes got world rights including audio directly from Blake. Her debut, The Thunder Girls, will be published by Pan Macmillan in July 2019.
The Thunder Girls is described as a “glamorous epic concerning a former girl band who rose to fame in the eighties only to be torn apart by jealously and brutal betrayal”. The synopsis states: “Years later, the call comes for a reunion, but can they put their differences behind them to rule the airwaves again, or will more secrets tear them even further apart?”
Blake started her music career at “Top of the Pops” working with acts like Destiny’s Child, All Saints and the Spice Girls. She went on to become a manager to members of Steps, Five Star and Spandau Ballet and reformed the Nolans for their sell out 2009 reunion tour. She is also an entrepreneur who runs talent agency Urban Associates.
Brookes said: “I have been a fan of this genre for decades. Think Valley of the Dolls meets Jackie Collins’ Rock Star. It’s a sexy thriller fest with female friendship at its heart. Melanie is a real insider and has worked with many popstars throughout the years. This is now her time to shine. I’ve published many novels in this genre, but never have I had someone like Melanie Blake behind it. Come September there will be a play which is based on a segment of the novel and The Thunder Girls will go wild.”
Blake said she was “beyond delighted” to be signed by the publisher. She explained: “I've been working on this book on and off for over twenty years, and to know people will finally be able to enjoy the story and unique characters truly is a dream come true. I hope The Thunder Girls becomes this year’s summer read and I look forward to hearing reader reviews of what is genuinely a white knuckle ride of friendship, betrayal and revenge.”
