Hera acquires two smart, addictive speculative thrillers by Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize-shortlisted debut author Laura Ward-Smith

Executive Publisher Keshini Naidoo has acquired World English and audio rights to two standalone thrillers by Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize-shortlisted and Faber Academy graduate debut author, Laura Ward-Smith, from Sam Brace at Peters, Fraser and Dunlop in a two-book deal. 

At the luxury island wellness retreat where We’re All Happy Here is set, biometric implants ‘track’ emotions, while Felicity, the retreat’s AI therapist, dictates everything, from treatment schedules to meal plans. The island guarantees happiness through its intersection of tech and wellness, a utopia where nothing can disturb one’s peace – until a body is found floating in the serene turquoise lagoon…

Keshini Naidoo said: “From the very first page I was hooked. What could be more deliciously appealing – and prescient – than a gripping thriller that skewers both our obsession with wellness and our fears around AI? We’re All Happy Here has all the appeal of White Lotus, with a touch of Black Mirror. Laura is such an exciting new voice in the thriller space and I am over the moon to bring this book to readers.”

Laura Ward-Smith commented: “As we increasingly turn to algorithms to understand and manage every aspect of our lives, I felt compelled to explore, through We’re All Happy Here, what we risk when we allow technology to ‘optimise’ something as fundamentally human as our emotions. I was blown away by Hera’s editorial vision for the book, and I’m delighted my debut novel has found such a wonderful home. I can’t wait to work with Keshini and the team at Hera to bring We’re All Happy Here into the world.”

Sam Brace stated: “From the moment I started reading We’re All Happy Here, I was absolutely hooked – it’s a slick thriller with an emotional kick and, of course, a killer twist. It contains perhaps one of the most unsettling lines I’ve ever read - and I can’t wait for readers to be as unnerved as I was. I’m delighted Laura has found a home with Hera and can’t wait for what’s next.”

WE’RE ALL HAPPY HERE will be published in mass market paperback, audio and ebook on 03 June 2027 in the UK and 01 June 2027 in North America/Canada. Laura’s second book will be published in early 2028.

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