Sweet Cherry lands 10-book deal for Samuel Halpin's 'ode to children's horror classics'

Sweet Cherry has landed a 10-book deal for Samuel Halpin’s new series, The Agency for All Things Spectral, a "light-hearted ode to children’s horror classics".

Former head of editorial, Sam Robinson, acquired world rights from Silvia Molteni at Peters Fraser and Dunlop.

Robinson was succeeded by Fiona Scoble. The Case of Dr Dust will be published in spring 2025. 

Halpin said: "I’m overjoyed to be tip-toeing into unknown, spectral wavelengths with this new series alongside Sweet Cherry, and I’m very much looking forward to readers being able to investigate all manner of strange and unseen things with the riotous Billy and her pals."

The Case of Dr Dust follows nine-year-old Billy whose summer takes a turn when she finds a pair of glasses and discovers she can see ghosts when she puts them on.

Sanjee de Silva, publisher at Sweet Cherry Publishing, said: "Sweet Cherry books are renowned for their bright, happy stories, so having the opportunity to publish something a little creepier is very exciting, especially one that features diverse characters and environments.”