Richard & Judy pick author Lizzy Barber signs to Datura Books with Be Mine

Datura Books has snapped up Be Mine by Lizzy Barber, whose book Out Of Her Depth (Pan) was a Richard & Judy Book Club pick. The book is described as a "high-concept thriller with a dash of domestic noir, inspired by the real-life cult-like pull of modern wellness brands".

Editorial director Gemma Creffield bought world English language rights, including translation, e-books and audiobook, from Luigi Bonomi at LBA Literary Agency, and the book will be published in Summer 2025.

"When Beth joins wellness group ‘Elixir’, she thinks it is the answer to everything," the synopsis says. "So why, ten years later, is she still running from them? And what do they want, now?" 

The synopsis adds: "Inspired by the real-life ‘modern wellness cult’ of NXIVM, the tech cultures of Google, WeWork and Apple, and the groupie-esque adoration of Peloton and Goop, Be Mine details a cult story rooted in personal experience. If wellness is a new religion, what happens when it goes too far?"

Barber said: "I am utterly thrilled that the passionate and vibrant Datura team have chosen to publish Be Mine. Gemma’s huge enthusiasm for the book has been so refreshing, and I knew instantly on speaking to her that she shared the same vision for it that I have. She is a superb editor, and I am excited for the publication journey ahead!"

Creffield added: "As soon as I was pitched this book, I knew I wanted it to Be Mine (pun very much intended)! The twists and turns really threw me through a loop—so much so that I had to take some time for myself to wrap my head around it, and I have been thinking about it ever since! This is going to be a delicious summer read for anyone that wants to have their head well-and-truly messed with!"