Hera acquires two twisty, utterly addictive thriller novels by best-selling crime author N V Peacock
January 19, 2023
Publishing Director of Hera, Keshini Naidoo has acquired WEL rights to two new crime thrillers by N V Peacock from Maddalena Cavaciuti at David Higham Associates in a two-book deal.
The first book in the deal, The Brother, is a gripping, twisty serial killer thriller which centres on Fallon, a psychologist who discovers that she is adopted and has four biological brothers she has never met – one of whom is a killer. Fallon, while also dealing with her own trauma from a vicious attack on her a year ago, now finds herself caught in a desperate hunt to find out which of her newfound family is responsible for a string of brutal murders… and stop him before he can kill again. The Brother will be published in Summer 2023 in simultaneous ebook and paperback editions.
N V Peacock’s first book, Little Bones, was published by HarperCollins in 2020 and received praise by Sarah Pinborough and Chris Whittaker.
Keshini Naidoo, Publishing Director at Hera says: ‘I absolutely devoured The Brother from the very first page. It is one of the most gripping – and chilling – thrillers I have encountered and had me on the edge of my seat, generating a lot of lively discussion in-house! The moment we read this book on submission, we knew we just had to bring the book to Hera. The plot races along but is balanced with strong, well-drawn characters, drawing the reader wholly into this dark, complex narrative. I am fascinated by the exploration of what it would mean to find out you have a killer in the family, to discover that a murderer shares your DNA – N V Peacock’s book takes that idea and builds it into an addictive, contemporary crime thriller that never lets up. I’m absolutely delighted that N V Peacock is joining the Hera list and so excited to launch this book to readers in Summer 2023.’
N V Peacock says: ‘The peacock is one of the goddess Hera’s sacred animals, so when I saw their offer, I knew this was meant to be. I’m so happy to find a home with such an exciting and cutting-edge publisher. I can’t wait to work with Keshini and Jennie to bring my next two twisted thrillers to readers.’
Maddalena Cavaciuti says: ‘I was captivated by the premise of The Brother from the moment Nicky pitched it to me. It has been brilliant to watch her frightening imagination at work, developing that idea into this compelling, chilling and page-turning story. We have found the perfect publisher in Keshini and the team at Hera Books, and I am so excited for N V Peacock fans to get their hands on The Brother this summer.’
The Brother will be published in July 2023 in ebook and paperback. For more information please contact kate@canelo.co