Hera acquires two gripping, twisty psychological thrillers from debut author Joanna Dodd

Hera Publishing Director, Keshini Naidoo, has acquired World English Language rights to two standalone psychological thrillers by Joanna Dodd, from Lisa Moylett at Coombs Moylett Maclean in a two-book deal. 

The first book, The Summer Dare, features a group of friends whose seemingly perfect lives are haunted by the unimaginable consequences of a dare they made one summer twenty-five years ago - a reckless, giddy action which resulted in Maddie disappearing, never to be seen again. Now, after Lucy receives a text message which looks like it’s from Maddie, the friends are forced to confront whether she might somehow be alive and back to seek revenge… or that someone else is hell bent on revealing the truth, exploding their lives in the process.

The Summer Dare will be published in Paperback Original and ebook in summer 2024 with the second book following in spring 2025.

Keshini Naidoo says: ‘I literally could not put this book down. It is so well-written, it drew me in immediately and would not let me go. The characterisation is so strong and the plot so relatable - we all do stupid things as teenagers, and Lucy and her friends agree at a summer camp to do a dare, which goes badly wrong and whose consequences echo through the years. Like all really good psychological thrillers, it forces the reader to imagine: what if that was me? It is a fabulously pacy, twisty page-turner with great characterisation that explores what happens when a bad decision snowballs, and how quickly a life can unravel when secrets start to come out. Joanna Dodd is an exciting talent and new voice in the psychological thriller market and I am delighted to welcome her to the Hera list.’

Joanna Dodd says: ‘I’m so excited to be joining the Hera list. The Summer Dare is a twist-packed story about friendship and power, and the long shadows cast by old secrets. It feels like it’s found its perfect home at Hera and I’m really enjoying working with the brilliant team there.’

Lisa Moylett says: ‘Joanna Dodd is an exceptional writer and The Summer Dare a standout first novel. We couldn’t have been more delighted when Hera, who in my opinion is one of the most exciting independent publishers today, offered for this fabulously, creepy, atmospheric novel. Hurrah!’

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