Viking pre-empts ‘extraordinary’ adult debut from Scott Westerfeld and Justine Larbalestier

Viking has pre-empted The Mortons, the first adult novel from Scott Westerfeld and Justine Larbalestier. 

Rosa Schierenberg, editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in a two-book deal from Jill Grinberg at Jill Grinberg Management ahead of the novel being submitted in the UK. North American rights were won at auction by Pamela Dorman Books, Penguin Random House. Australian rights went to Beverley Cousins at PRH Australia. The Mortons will be published in spring 2026.

The Mortons follows the Morton family who have “impeccable taste for exquistely crafted cocktails, expertly tailored vintage garments and stone-cold murder”. When Jessica, the golden child, commits her first murder and takes her place as a “fully blooded Morton”, secrets and shifting alliances are exposed.  

Schierenberg commented: “Original, surprising and epic in scope, The Mortons masterfully blends genres to create a new realm with a unique language, style and aesthetic. We have huge ambitions for this extraordinary book and can’t wait for readers to get their first glimpse into the genius of Scott and Justine.”

Westerfeld and Larbalestier added: “We’ve been married for 23 years but haven’t dared write a novel together before now. It didn’t seem worth the risk! And yet . . . it’s turned into one of the most exciting and intense creative experiences of our lives. We’re thrilled for that experience to continue as we work with Rosa Schierenberg and her team at Viking.” 

Westerfeld’s YA novel, Uglies (Simon & Schuster), has recently been adapted into a film for Netflix. Larbalestier is also an award-winning YA author. The Mortons is the joint adult debut.