Zaffre sccops Kraus’ story of a scuba diver swallowed by a sperm whale

Zaffre has sccoped Daniel Kraus’ Whalefall, a thriller about a scuba diver swallowed by a sperm whale.

Ben Willis, publishing director, acquired UK and Commonwealth English language rights from Nicole Bond of Simon & Schuster US, who published Whalefall in August. Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment has struck a pre-emptive film rights deal to adapt the book for screen.

The book will be published in hardback and audio on 23rd November 2023, following Zaffre’s release of the audiobook in October. 

Kraus said: "I’ve written over 20 novels and have never seen a reaction to rival that of Whalefall. I have been incredibly touched by the emotional responses of American readers and can’t wait to introduce this primal and universal story to the rest of the world, beginning with Bonnier Books UK."

Publishing director Ben Willis added: "Whalefall is unlike any other book you’ll read this decade. While the pitch is blockbuster, beneath the surface is a tender, heartbreaking, hopeful and deeply moving tale of a grieving son and the power of the human spirit.

"I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, and I can’t wait to share Daniel’s outstanding thriller with even more readers."