Hera acquires two dark, unforgettable thrillers from bestselling author Rachel Sargeant, writing as Rae Starling

Commissioning editor Jennie Ayres, has acquired World English Language rights to two standalone psychological thrillers by bestselling author Rachel Sargeant, writing as Rae Starling, from Laura Heathfield at Greenstone Literary in a two-book deal. 

An Ordinary House tells the tale of a teenage boy rescued from horrific captivity with his family. Everyone tells him he is safe now, even though his memories of the House don’t match with what he is being told. But as he struggles to survive in the outside world, with ‘outside-people’, he finds he cannot avoid the truth forever… An Ordinary House is publishing in simultaneous paperback and ebook in September 2026, with a second book to follow in April 2027.

Jennie Ayres says: ‘This was the darkest, most unforgettable book to cross my desk this year and I was absolutely stunned by the compelling plotline and finely drawn characterisation. It is a one-sitting, up-all-night read and a visceral portrait of trauma, survival and recovery - but more importantly, a twisty, gripping thriller. If Room and Girl A had a baby, it would be this book. Not for the faint of heart, it will stay with you long after reading. Rae Starling is a hugely exciting author and I am so pleased to be working with her under this new pseudonym, bringing these captivating horror-adjacent thrillers to readers.’ 

Rae Starling says: ‘As soon as I saw the Hera proposal for An Ordinary House, I knew my House had found a home. Jennie understood – absolutely – the characters and themes of the story I’d been writing and researching for four years. I’m looking forward to working with Jennie and the Hera team to bring my challenged, conflicted and resilient protagonist into the outside world.’

Laura Heathfield says: ‘An Ordinary House is no ordinary book and I’m so excited for Jennie and the team Hera to be publishing this expertly crafted novel by Rae Starling. Prepare for a read that will stay with you long after turning the last page.’

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