Transworld scoops high-concept book club thriller from North

Transworld has scooped a high-concept book club thriller by L C North.  

Imogen Nelson, commissioning editor, bought UK and Commonwealth rights to The Ugly Truth from Tanera Simons at The Darley Anderson Agency. Transworld will publish in Bantam Press hardback, e-book and audio in March 2023. 

Told exclusively through interviews, transcripts and diary entries, it traces the life and sudden disappearance of media superstar Melanie Lange, whose father says she is being cared for at a residential mental health facility. Her ex-husband and best friend say she has been kidnapped, and the media will say whichever gets them the most views. But whose side are you on? 

Nelson said: “The Ugly Truth is a gripping, suspenseful, cleverly crafted novel, and one that also feels so thought-provoking and timely: with the news cycle peppered with stories about the often tragic consequences of media attention, from Britney Spears’ conservatorship to the lack of mental health support for reality TV stars, I’m certain that The Ugly Truth will start important conversations with many readers. Add to that an addictive and brilliantly twisty plot, and you have a recipe for a seriously smart thriller that I simply could not put down.” 

North said: “The moment Imogen and the team shared their vision for The Ugly Truth, I knew it had found its perfect home. Transworld has always been my dream publisher and I’m thrilled to be continuing my career with them. Telling Melanie’s story completely consumed me and I can’t wait to see it out in the world.” 

Simons said: “I’m thrilled that Transworld will be publishing The Ugly Truth next year and I can’t wait to see how Lauren’s readers react to this thought-provoking and conversation-starting novel.” 

L C North is the pen name of Lauren North, co-host of crime thriller podcast “In Suspense".