Hera signs compelling new police procedural series by bestselling thriller writer Niki Mackay
April 05, 2023
Publishing Director of Hera, Keshini Naidoo, has acquired WEL rights to three new crime thrillers by N J Mackay from Hattie Grünewald at The Blair Partnership in a three-book deal.
The first book in the deal is a gripping, multi-layered detective novel which introduces series protagonist Detective Sebastian Locke. Fifteen years ago, Hayley DaSilva returned to her home to be confronted by a nightmare; her family, brutally murdered and her nine-year-old brother missing, never to be seen again. When her father, Leonard DaSilva confesses to the killings, Hayley DaSilva flees from the country and spends the next few years trying to leave her tragic past behind.
But now, after little Ethan’s bones are discovered in a shallow grave, and a series of discoveries leads Detective Sebastian Locke to realise that Leonard couldn’t possibly have been responsible for the deaths, the cold case now becomes an active investigation once again. Why did Leonard confess? And can they find the real culprit behind the slaying of the DaSilva family?
The Quiet Dead will be published in Autumn 2023 in simultaneous ebook and paperback editions.
N J Mackay has been published by Orion and writes psychological thrillers for Headline under the name Niki Mackay.
Keshini Naidoo, Publishing Director at Hera says: ‘I’ve been a fan of Niki’s writing for a long time and couldn’t be more excited to announce this acquisition. This book really illustrates her talent at skewering realistic, relatable characterisation, and when coupled with this complex and satisfying procedural, makes for an utterly compelling read. I read The Quiet Dead in one sitting and by the time I got to the final gasp-worthy twist, I was determined to launch this series on the Hera list. I couldn’t be prouder that Hera is the home for Niki’s first detective series and am so excited to launch Sebastian Locke to mystery and thriller fans later this year.’
N J Mackay says: ‘Sebastian Locke has found the perfect home at Hera, I love Keshini’s editorial vision for the books and I am so excited to join this fantastically commercial list.’
Hattie Grünewald says: ‘Niki is an incredible writer – pitch-perfect characterisation adding humanity to a twisty and compulsive thriller. I’m thrilled that THE QUIET DEAD has found a home with Hera Books and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.’
The Quiet Dead will be published in Sept 2023 in ebook and paperback. For more information please contact kate@canelo.co