W F Howes signs Rowes' 'compelling' You Are Accused

W F Howes has teamed up with Raphael Rowe, host of Netflix’s "Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons", to created a WFH Original production entitled You Are Accused.

Publishing director Dominic White acquired world rights directly from Rowe. The audiobook will be written and voiced by Rowe and be available exclusively in audiobook format on 10th August 2023.

You Are Accused features first-hand accounts of those who have had a "transformative experience of accusation" to examine the "devastating impact" being accused of a crime can have on the lives and reputations of the accused and those around them.

Rowe discusses trial-by-media with Amanda Knox, who was accused of murdering Meredith Kercher, and the impact accusation has on a family with Cassie Parris, daughter of Tony Paris who was wrongly accused of murder. American basketball player Jeff Harper also features to discuss the trauma of facing an accusation abroad and the Post Office scandal, in the UK, with former sub-postmistress Jo Hamilton.

Having also been accused and falsely convicted, Rowe also reflects upon his own personal experiences "as part of the thought-provoking exposé". He commented: "Speaking to these fascinating people and hearing their chilling experiences first-hand has been a real eye-opener. Most people have no idea what it is like to be accused of a serious crime, nor can they imagine the ripple effects an accusation can have on them, and those around them, for the rest of their lives. I wanted to examine this area in depth and really shine a spotlight on the wider, psychological implications and legacies of accusations, and I’m excited to see how listeners respond."

Laura Smith, acquisitions manager, said: "You Are Accused is a compelling piece of investigative journalism that delves into this under-explored subject like never before. Giving listeners access to the real stories behind the headlines shows that the shocking consequences of an accusation can often last a lifetime, for both the accused and their loved ones."