Riordan's 'intoxicating' novel goes to PMJ

Penguin Michael Joseph has acquired an "intoxicating, beautifully written psychological drama", Summer Fever, from Kate Riordan.

Editorial director Jillian Taylor and editor Grace Long acquired UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada from Rebecca Ritchie at AM Heath. It will be published by Penguin Michael Joseph (PMJ) in physical and e-book on 12th May 2022. 

The blurb reads: “Set in the Italian countryside over the course of a long, hot summer, Summer Fever follows Laura and Nick, who are hoping that their new life running a guest house in gorgeous surroundings will help fix the cracks in their marriage. But as the intense summer heat rises, Laura begins to think that her relationship with Nick might be beyond saving. Laura is hopeful that the arrival of their first guests–a glamorous American couple–will provide a much-needed distraction. It doesn’t take long, however, for tensions to brew between the two couples as forbidden attractions and dangerous secrets rise to the surface.” 

Riordan is the author of five novels, as well as being a journalist and author tutor at The Novelry. Her 2020 novel, The Heatwave (PMJ), was chosen as a Richard & Judy pick.

She said: “I am delighted to be publishing my fifth book with the brilliant team at Michael Joseph. This is my first novel set in entirely contemporary times and I loved the liberation of that. Like my last book, The Heatwave, I wanted to write a dark story set in a beautiful place and hopefully the sultry Italian setting and sexual tension between my characters ticks that box.” 

“No one writes deeply compelling, tense and atmospheric summer escapism quite like Kate Riordan," said Long. "Summer Fever is an intoxicating, beautifully written psychological drama from a writer at the top of their game and I can’t wait for readers to discover this evocative, must-have thriller for summer 2022.”