Thomas & Mercer signs two-book deal with 'queen of suspense' McGowan

Thomas & Mercer has signed a two-book deal with Claire McGowan who is currently celebrating one million sales across all formats, according to the publisher.

Editor Victoria Haslam acquired world English language rights from Diana Beaumont at Marjacq Script. Truth, Truth, Lie, the first book in the deal, will be published in May 2024 with the second, The First Girl, following in early 2025.

Set on a private island off the coast of Scotland, Truth, Truth, Lie follows a group of friends celebrating a 40th birthday. However, things take a turn when a game of two truths and a lie reveals that one of them may have committed a murder.

Haslam commented: "To reach the milestone of one million sales is an incredible achievement, and I am ecstatic that we will be publishing two more top-class thrillers from Claire McGowan. Both books have an addictive hook, coupled with Claire’s signature insight into what people are capable of doing to each other. Claire is at the top of her game."

McGowan added: "I’m so pleased to continue working with Amazon Publishing, it has been an amazing experience so far.”

Mouncif Faqir, director at Amazon Books, Europe, said that the company was happy to be building upon McGowan’s success with two additional titles.