Psychologist Kingsley Pearson's lands two-book deal with Orion

Orion Fiction has signed a two-book deal from debut writer and clinical psychologist Kingsley Pearson. 

Leodora Darlington, publishing director, acquired world English language rights to two thrillers from Silé Edwards at Andrew Nurnberg Associates (ANA), in a two-book deal. Orion will publish the first thriller, Flat 401, in March 2025 in paperback, e-book and audiobook.

Flat 401 follows Jay Ginige, who is reaching the end of his probation after confessing to a crime he didn’t commit. He is desperate to move on with his life, and away from south London, where everyone thinks they know the truth about him. An anonymous note threatens to expose what really happened on the day of the crime – something far worse than what he confessed to.  

The blurb reads: “If Jay admits what really happened, he’ll be recalled to prison for life; if he doesn’t, someone else will die. As he’s tracked down by the victim’s sister, and his secrets threaten to snatch the life he is so close to living away, Jay begins to question how far he will go to keep his freedom.” 

Darlington says: “It was such a thrill seeing Kingsley’s brilliant debut land in my inbox. With characters you won’t forget, painful moral dilemmas, buckets of mystery and a confident flair, I know this is one readers are going to absolutely love. Orion Fiction considers it a privilege working with Kingsley on his brilliant debut.” 

Pearson, a clinical psychologist, said: “The creative outlet writing provides helped me get through those ‘unprecedented’ times. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to combine my experience as a psychologist with my interest in writing, to pen thrillers that don’t shy away from the complexities and challenges of human nature. From our first call, I could tell Leodora and the team at Orion understood how I wanted to portray myself and the audiences I hope to connect with – I can’t wait to see Flat 401 out in the world.” 

Edwards says: ‘Kingsley took a huge leap of faith by signing with me, my offer of representation made him ineligible for several prizes he was already shortlisted for. He has a way of conjuring up real vulnerability on the page, then wrapping that in a pacy, juicy story. I am genuinely his biggest fan, but I have no doubts that between the formidable teams at Orion and ANA championing the publication of Flat 401, he’ll have fans all over the world when the book is released next year."