London Book Fair Rights Guide 2020

Fiction Frontlist

FOR RIGHTS QUERIES CONTACT FOR RIGHTS QUERIES CONTACT Nerrilee Weir, Senior Rights Manager Alice Richardson, Rights Executive TEL +61 2 8923 9892 TEL +61 2 8923 9815 EMAIL [email protected] EMAIL [email protected] penguin.com.au/rights penguin.com.au/rights even when it seems that all is lost. even when it seems rade paperback – 304 pp rade paperback Rights held: World Rights held: World THE SILENCE OF SNOW SNOW OF SILENCE THE Eileen Merriman 2020 September House New Zealand Random T Pieces of You, Catch Me When You Fall, Fall, Catch Me When You of You, three young adult novels, Pieces EILEEN MERRIMAN’s Young for Children and in the NZ Book Awards and Invisibly Breathing were finalists are Storylines Fall and Catch Me When You of You and both Pieces Adults in 2018 and 2019, with adult novel, Moonlight Sonata released in July 2019, Her first , was Notable Books. drama, with layered and thoughtful a ‘carefully and crafted’, reviewers calling it ‘skilfully runner-up include Her other awards observedbeautifully Kiwi characters’. and believable in the 2018 Sunday Star-Times Short Story three consecutive years in third for Award, the 2014-2016 Sunday Star-Times Short Story second in the 2015 Bath Flash Awards, commended in the 2015 Bath ShortFiction Award, Story place Competition, and first Shortin the 2015 Graeme Lay Story as a consultant full-time Competition. She works at Northhaematologist Shore Hospital. Author photo credit © Colleen Lenihan ‘The will put the book down and turn the light off at disciplined of readers … only the most plot is propulsive Herald a sensible time of night’ – Weekend ‘The the Merriman does an excellent job of concealing pivotal emotions are those of love and foreboding. entirely right’ – Otago Daily Times climax until the end, a climax that when it happens, feels dreadful was recently longlisted for the 2020 Ockham New Zealand Award for recently longlisted Moonlight Sonata novel was Eileen Merriman’s by doctors faced A revealing insight into the pressures of Jodi Picoult works – reminiscent of the ethical issues exploration of complex An accessible • • • • • A compelling love story about facing one’s own demons, self-medication storyA compelling love strength to carry and finding the about facing one’s on, Praise for Moonlight Sonata Sales points Both are trying in control of their lives, but Rory to keep starts to self-prescribe to sleeping pills and sedatives to children in anaesthetics . and the days,help him get through the nights . . when having to administer especially agent. Can potent anaesthetic a and he begins to inject propofol, enough long, the sedatives aren’t theatre. Before Jodi save him from himself? Jodi Waterstone has only just startedsame hospital in Nelson, and the night shifts, doctor at the work as a first-year has only just Jodi Waterstone hours on duty the multiple new procedures difficult. learning make workload and endless impossible Almost qualified as an anaesthetic consultant, Rory consultant, an anaesthetic as qualified Almost is adrift. McBride went horribly Since a routine anaesthetic panic attacks. and escalating flashbacks, by sleeplessness, wrong, he has been plagued

fiction london 2020 2 FICTION . Meet Me in Venice rade paperback – 400 pp rade paperback Rights held: World Rights held: Random House Australia) (Penguin Rights sold: Audio Czech title (Meet Me in Venice): Bulgaria (Hermes); Rights sold previous Republic (Baronet); Estonia (Eram Books) THE SISTER’S GIFT SISTER’S THE Hannay Barbara August 2020 Michael Joseph T is a city-bred BARBARA country girl with a yen for HANNAY life. English teacher, A former Many of her forty-plus and have and outback Australia are set in rural books by awarded been enjoyed by readers around the world. She has won the RITA, of America, and has twiceRomance Writers won the Romantic Book of the Year imitating art, in Australia. In her own version of life award Barbara and her husband North they currently live on a misty Far where hillside in beautiful Queensland and an untidy but productive garden. heritage pigs and chickens keep The heartwarming author of family drama by the bestselling new Barbara Hannay has been licensed in Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Estonia in Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Estonia Barbara Hannay has been licensed of Rachael Johns fans for Perfect sold highly acclaimed romance authors, with over six million books most Barbara is one of Australia’s worldwide A heartwarming of life and those in their later stages young women women of all ages, featuring read for • • • • Sales points , this is a moving and inspiring novel in a stunning setting about in a stunning , this is a moving and inspiring novel By author of Meet Me in Venice bestselling the redemptive power of love. and the choices and consequences Billie has never understood the tension between her mother and her aunt and now, with a newly broken heart, with a newly broken between the tension she Billie has never understood her mother and her aunt and now, skies, but can All three women come together under the tropical Queensland secret of her own. is nursing a family old tensions tear them further regrets, or will they let go of past apart? Decades later, Freya is divorced, childless and homeless, at rock bottom after losing everything she’s worked for. at rock bottom after everything losing and homeless, for. worked is divorced, childless Freya she’s Decades later, Island, Magnetic on beautiful restaurant sanctuary, managing the family niece, Billie, offers When her estranged can hardly refuse. Freya As a vibrant young woman with a lifetime of possibilities ahead of her, Freya grants her sister, Pearl, the ultimate gift Pearl, her sister, grants Freya ahead of her, of possibilities As young woman with a lifetime a vibrant this comes at a hefty of the man she price – an unexpected rift and the loss in her family of motherhood. However, loves. Two sisters, one baby and the best of intentions. of intentions. one baby and the best sisters, Two

women’s fiction london 2020 3 FICTION’S WOMEN . Creek Café The Kookaburra rade Paperback – 384 pp – 384 rade Paperback Rights held: World Creek Café): Germany (Random title (The Kookaburra Rights sold previous House) THE BANKSIA BAY BEACH SHACK BAY BANKSIA THE Docker Sandie March 2020 Australia Michael Joseph T grew up in Coff’s Harbour, and first fell in love with reading and first SANDIE DOCKER grew up in Coff’s Harbour, as a teenager. books introduced her to fantasy when her father taking a translation course at university until she was that her Mandarin But it wasn’t writing – a seed of an idea that sat quietly she might have a knack for lecturer suggested Sandie first at the back of her mind while she lived overseas and traveled the world. writes everythingdecided to put pen to paper (yes, she still the old-fashioned before way Now back in Sydney with her husband and hitting when living in London. a keyboard) Author she writes every Naomi Bartlett photo credit © day. Photography daughter, Australian Women’s Weekly soars from the absolute heart’‘Docker Women’s — Australian Day ‘The of heart-wrenching best — Woman’s yarns’ Docker has developed a strong brand for herself, writing warm, feelgood stories set in evocative places stories feelgood writing warm, herself, for brand has developed a strong Docker Day giftIdeal as a Mother’s Sophie of Barbara Hannay and Green fans for Perfect The heartwarming author of family saga from the bestselling new • • • • • Praise for Sandie Docker Praise for Sandie Docker Sales points Welcome to the Banksia Bay Beach Shack, where first love is found and last chances are taken. chances are taken. found and last love is Bay Beach Shack, where first to the Banksia Welcome Young Gigi and Lily come from different worlds but forge an unbreakable bond – the ‘Sisters of Summer’. But in of Summer’. ‘Sisters an unbreakable bond – the worlds but forge Gigi and Lily come from different Young One lie to set someone free. One lie that One lie told. into the future. reaches far 1961 a chain of events is set off that changes the course of so many lives. Virginia, the owner of the iconic Beach Shack Café, has kept her past buried for sixty buried for years. As slowly uncovers her past Laura has kept Shack Café, Virginia, the owner of the iconic Beach to hold onto her secrets or set the decide whether so long ago, Virginia must the tragic fragments of that summer truth free. Stories get twisted, truths become warped, historyStories get twisted, truths become warped, discovers an old photo of her is rewritten. When Laura to the sleepy beachside town of Banksia inscription on the back, she heads Lillian, with an intriguing grandmother, finds a community Laura past. But when she arrives, where everyoneto be seems Bay to learn the truth of Lillian’s hiding something. A year is a long time in the memory of a small town.

women’s fiction london 2020 4 FICTIONFICTION’S ’S WOMEN WOMEN The Rosie Project ebruary 2020 rade paperback – 416 pp rade paperback Rights held: World Rights held: World Rights sold: North Collins); Brazil (Editora Pausa); America (Harper Random (Penguin Romania (Rao Distributie); Audio Indonesia (Republika); House Australia) JANE IN LOVE JANE Givney Rachel F Michael Joseph T is a writer and filmmaker originally from Sydney, Australia Australia RACHEL originally from Sydney, GIVNEY is a writer and filmmaker on television shows (currently based in Melbourne). She has worked including Daughters, Rescue: Special Ops and All McLeod’s The Warriors, Offspring, Festival, Saints. Her films have been official selections at the Sydney Film Louise and many more. AuthorFlickerfest photo credit © Tegan ‘A superb idea, with a strong female lead, romance and a tense dilemma at its heart’ lead, female idea, with a strong – Caroline superb ‘A Can Trust Overington, author of The Ones You ‘The time-travelling and having to choose between premise of Jane Austen real love is and her books and tragic. And verytouching and resonant, charming and funny clever’ author of Graeme-Evans, – Posie The Dressmaker A fun romantic comedy that sophisticated, bookish readers will also enjoy romantic comedy that sophisticated, A fun This is entertaining and engaging commercial fiction from a smart new television writer who is very well- connected and promotable of Graeme Simsion perfect book clubs and fans for novel that’s A crossover unpublished manuscript for an Fiction, a UK prize for for shortlisted the Virginia Prize was for Jane in Love fiction women’s • • • • • • is a lively effusion of wit and humour.’ - Graeme Simsion, author of - Graeme Simsion, author of wit and humour.’ is a lively effusion and engaging, Jane in Love written ‘Artfully Praise Sales points A modern-day reimagining of the life of one of the world’s most celebrated writers, this wonderfully celebrated writers, this most witty romantic of one of the world’s A modern-day reimagining of the life sees her having to choose between which story, the heart and the pen. a new side to Jane’s comedy offers Magically, she finds herself in modern-day England, where horseless steel carriages line the streets and people steel carriages line the where horseless she finds herself in modern-day England, Magically, wear very Wentworth,star Sofia film friend in fading a new best little clothing. She forms and a genuine love interest Fred, who has the audacity to be handsome, clever and kind-hearted. brother She is also delighted to in Sofia’s and beloved around the globe. But as a published author of six novels writer, discover that she is now a famous stop way to find a She must her presence in the literary blossoms, world starts romance with Fred to waver. Jane’s too late. herself disappearing from history it’s before If Jane Austen had to choose between the heart and the pen, what would she do? Bath, England, 1803. At age had to choose betweenIf Jane Austen Bath, England, 1803. the heart and the pen, what would she do? twenty-eight, to She is forced to do is write. but all she wants husband, should be seeking a suitable Jane Austen extraordinary love – which lands her in the most to find true in her quest of circumstances. extreme measures take Jane Austen time-travels to the future and falls in love. But will she choose happiness in the present, or her career in love. But will she choose happiness and falls Jane Austen time-travels to the future as a writer in the past?

FICTION london 2020 5

FICTION author of Soldier Boy. rade paperback – 320 pp rade paperback Rights held: World Rights held: World Random House Australia) (Penguin Rights sold: Audio THE LASTTHE CONVICT Hill Anthony June 2020 Michael Joseph T is a multi-award-winning, bestselling author. author. ANTHONY HILL is a multi-award-winning, bestselling winner of the 2002 known Anzac, was youngest His novel Soldier Boy, about Australia’s his children’s Adults. More recently, Young Literary for NSW Premier’s Books for Award History People’s Young , won the 2009 NSW Premier’s Apprentice book, Captain Cook’s as Country Love Animal Heroes and For as further to follow testimony Digger, Young Prize. his remarkable ability material and, from wide-ranging to extensively research historical He is also the author of twosources, piece together a moving and exciting story. novellas, by Mark Shadow Dog, and the award-winning , illustrated The Burnt Stick the beautiful by Rainbow Birds, illustrated Cat and the Sofilas, as well as the picture book, Lucy’s son-in-law Gillian. Their daughter, Anthony lives in Canberra with his wife, Jane Tanner. live in Melbourne. Author credit © Sandy Spiers photo Emily, and grand-daughter, A moving and evocative historical novel from an award-winning author A moving and evocative historical fascinating periods of history most A brilliant fictional recreation of one of Australia’s The literary transported reimagining of the last convict to die in Australia • • • A moving and insightful novel about the life and times of Samuel Speed, believed to be the last of the of Samuel Speed, believed novel about the life and times A moving and insightful transported convicts to die in Australia, and a vivid recreation of life in Australia’s penal era by the bestselling penal era by transported of life in Australia’s Australia, and a vivid recreation convicts to die in Sales points The Last Convict is The Last known convict to be sent to Australia, A colourful and times of the last of the life recreation through meaning in his impoverished life finds as one social outcast of old age and loneliness, a moving study researched and brilliantly woven into an engaging fictional account,the power of literature. Meticulously an it is storyunforgettable by an award-winning writer and historian. Samuel is granted a ticket of leave in 1867 and full freedom in 1871, in 1867 and full of leave Samuel is granted a ticket himself but what sort for can a man forge of life or dreamed of, he has always be the beginning of the life Will it with no skills, no money and no family? in the colony, do some sentences truly never end? When Samuel boards the transport and given of his clothing and even his name, ship Belgravia, he is stripped hard labour is added to the mix Prison, at Fremantle of when to rise, eat, On arrival clean and sleep. regulations Tom of worse. The only solace he finds is a love of reading, which allows can get any the likes and he wonders if life friends. to become his lifelong Sawyer and Oliver Twist Oxford, 1863: Young Samuel Speed sets a barley stack alight in the hope it will earn him a bed in prison for the night. a bed in prison for alight in the hope it will earn him stack Samuel Speed sets a barley Young 1863: Oxford, What he receives to sleep off the streets. place in his belly and a warm nothing more than a morsel of food He wants servitude,is a sentence of seven years’ to be served Western in the penal colony of Fremantle, half a world away Australia. ‘It’s a good story, Samuel. You’re a piece of living history.’ Samuel. You’re story, a good ‘It’s

historical fiction london 2020 6 AL FICTION TORIC HIS rade paperback – 368 pp rade paperback Rights held: World Rights held: ( Thief - United KingdomEbury); titles: The Pearl Rights sold previous Italy (Ebury); - United Kingdom Gardens Lithuania (Alma (Dea Planeta); The Tea Secret - The Perfumer’s - Bulgaria (SoftLittera); The Chocolate Tin Press); Czech Republic (Baronet); (WydawnictwoPortugal (Estrela Polar); Poland Filia); Bulgaria (Soft Press) THE CHAMPAGNE LOVERS LOVERS CHAMPAGNE THE McIntosh Fiona 2020 November Michael Joseph T is an internationally bestselling author of novels for adults and children. author of novels for is an internationally bestselling FIONA MCINTOSH She co-founded an award-winning travel magazine with her husband, which they ran for Fiona fifteen their full-time author. years while raising she became a twin sons before her novels, and runs a series of roams the world researching and drawing inspiration for She calls recent South home. Her most Australia highly respected fiction masterclasses. Author photo credit © Anne Stropin published in 2019. was novel, The Diamond Hunter, Forthcoming bestselling Fiona McIntosh. new novel from the internationally Fiona McIntosh has sold over 600,000 copies in Australia and New Zealand alone copies in Australia Fiona McIntosh has sold over 600,000 Italy and Poland, Czech Republic, Russia, published in the United Kingdom, Germany, titles are Fiona’s Bulgaria Fiona is also the author of adult commercial fiction author, As well as being an incredibly succesful written and has also titles with rights sold in France, titles (published by HarperCollins Australia) fantasy Awards Book of the Year shortlisted which was in the 2010 Children’s children, including The Whisperer, for and published in North America by Random House in 2015 Secret Gardens, The Chocolate Tin and The Perfumer’s have all been shortlisted or The Tea Her books in the ABIA awards longlisted around the world title yet, reaching new fans biggest Fiona’s The Diamond Hunter (2019) was • • • • • Sales points As the Allies seem to be prevailing, Sophie decides that before she commits fully to Charlie, she will try to Charlie, she commits fully SophieAs decides that before seem to be prevailing, the Allies time one last to find Jerome. When news arrives in 1918 that Jerome’s bloodstained jacket and identification papers have been found in Belgium, and identification papers have been jacket bloodstained When news arrives in 1918 that Jerome’s her husband alive again are reignited. hopes of seeing Sophie’s She takes him back to her home in Epernay to recuperate, and a close friendship develops. Charlie’s chemistry to recuperate, and a close friendship develops. Charlie’s him back to her home in Epernay She takes the 1918 vintage, and to make of sugar delivers the solution to her problem of having no more stocks background into love. their relationship slips helplessly As a senior chemist, Charles Nash is considered an essential servicemanAs an essential Charles Nash is considered chemist, a senior from joining up as World and is withheld fearful Charlie is that murder, for mass used in Belgium in 1915 when poison gas is first out. However, I breaks War his work and an even more toxic version of the killing gas in response. He flees his skills will be put to use to develop His men see Captain Nash as heroic but Charlie knows being a top marksman. a talent for showing quickly enlists, he France, in the Marne region of die than kill any more soldiers. When he is badly wounded fighting rather he’d Sophie Delancré. hospital, being tended to by the beautiful finds himself in the Reims underground But just as married life begins, Jerome is torn away by war and less than a year later Sophie receives news that and less by war begins, Jerome is torn away as married life But just dead. Sophie her time between divides presumed hospital in the helping to set up an underground he is missing, the wounded. champagne cellars below the city over to a retreat for house in Epernay and turning her mansion Fifth-generationsummer of 1914. champenoise Sophie finds love with wealthy vigneron Jerome Méa in the Delancré

historical FICTION london 2020 7

AL FICTION TORIC HIS rade paperback – 336 pp – 336 rade paperback Rights held: World Rights held: World Random House Australia) (Penguin Rights sold: Audio THE SPILL SPILL THE Imbi Neeme June 2020 Viking T Winner of the 2019 Penguin Literary Penguin Winner of the 2019 Prize. is a recovering blogger, impending novelist and compulsive short impending novelist story writer. IMBI NEEME is a recovering blogger, Literary also the She was the 2019 Penguin Prize. awarded Her manuscript The Spill was recipient of the 2019 Henry excellence in for at Varuna Handel Richardson Fellowship Short Story Her short Writing. Short has won prizes in the 2019 Newcastle fiction Story the 2018 Boroondara LiteraryAwards, and has been shortlisted Awards, the 2018 Peter for Carey Short Story manuscript, Her first The Hidden Drawer, made the judges’ Award. and Unpublished Manuscript Awards in the 2015 Victorian Premier’s commended list Centre Manuscript Development Writers the 2015 Hachette/Queensland selected for was many years at Not Drowning, Mothering, which won the 2010 She blogged for Program. in Melbourne with She lives Zealand Weblog. Australian/New best for Bloggies award pets. Author kids and largely indifferent photo credit © Miles Standish her partner, Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty fans for Perfect and Sally Hepworth Literary 2019 Winner of the Penguin Prize A multi-layered story situations, ending with enormous uplift, confronting tough family hope and love SISTERS of perennial bestsellers, About the subject of place car trips, pubs, hot weather and beaches, with an evocative sense read featuring A great summer • • • • • Sales points is told in chapters that alternate between Nicole and Samantha’s perspectives, and between and the past The Spill is told in chapters that alternate between Nicole and Samantha’s through the years – moments a family that can follow and regret It explores the cycles of love, loss the present day. left things moving portrait unsaid, and things misremembered. Above all, it is a deeply of joy, of two falling sisters families. and of the legacies of alcoholism and splintered apartway to fit back together, and finding a With family secrets drifting to the surface in the wake of Tina’s death, the sisters start death, the sisters to interrogate their secrets drifting of Tina’s With family to the surface in the wake and the self-sabotaging them apart.differences that have kept behaviours Nicole, after back but lacking in direction, Laid seems finally content. and frustrations, years of disappointments Jethro. Samantha – controlling, wary to she lives happily with her wealthy partner, of alcohol, and struggling so hard to worked tear apart she’s – is hiding something that might just connect with her teenage daughter the life build. Nicole and Samantha Cooper both remember the summer day when their mother, Tina, lost control of their car – lost Tina, day when their mother, remember the summer Nicole and Samantha Cooper both the crash remain murky surrounding is an alcoholic, and the circumstances Tina the same way. but not in quite to reckon are forced that the sisters decades later, four almost death, to everyone involved. It is only after Tina’s ignorance and blame, with guilt, of the crash. Their deeply troubled relationship is fraught with the repercussions misunderstandings. In 1982, a car overturns is hurt, Australian road. Nobody decades. West on a remote for but the impact is felt

LITERARY FICTION london 2020 8

RARY FICTIONRARY LITE Club) amily Leisure Book ranslation ranslation rade paperback – 336pp rade paperback Rights held: T Rights held: Random House Australia) (Penguin Rights sold: Audio zech Republic (Nakladatelstvi): C title (The Toymaker Rights sold previous (F e Agostini); Russia Domino); Italy (D SWEETNESS AND LIGHT AND SWEETNESS Liam Pieper March 2020 Hamilton Hamish T The Feel-Good The Feel-Good was a memoir, book His first LIAM PIEPER is an author and journalist. shortlisted and the Ned Kelly , and was the National Biography Award for Hit of the Year a Made, was Were Special Mistakes second book, the Penguin His Crime Award. True Best co-recipient of the 2014 M Literary He was volume of humorous essays. winner of Award, the 2015 Geoff Dean Short City Story creative resident of the UNESCO the inaugural Prize, and the 2018 National Libraryof Literature of Prague, of Australia Creative Arts for Fellow Stead Fiction , received the 2016 Christina novel, The Toymaker His first Australian Writing. Author of Australian Writers. photo credit © Matt Collins from the Fellowship Award in this dark, rollicking literary Love Shantaram meets Eat Pray author of The the bestselling thriller from Toymaker he has solid commercial appeal, and with its bold characters, seductive writing is literary, While Liam’s and Light will capture an even wider audience settings and gripping plot, Sweetness ethics and values of moral ambiguity, discussions A great book-club pick, with rich content for Liam undertook ashrams. He can speak well to the on several residency in India and has stayed a writer’s on the ethics of tourism a nuanced take offers and Light angle of travel, and Sweetness expat/research • • • • An intoxicating, unsettling storyAn intoxicating, unsettling of the battle between and dark, love and lust, morality light and corruption. Sales points An explosive, unforgettable novel that confirms Liam Pieper’s place as one of Australia’s finest, sharpest writers. finest, sharpest Pieper’s place as one of Australia’s Liam novel that confirms An explosive, unforgettable From suburban Australia after Australia to the seamy world of spirituality suburban mining bust the tourism in developing countries, From Brooklyn and the Amalfi is a globetrotting place. This book that spans Chennai, Newcastle, Liam has a sharp eye for losing yourself in other worlds. – perfect for vicarious immersion; Coast for But their relationship, and their morality, are tested as Sasha falls under the sway of the Guru. Navigating a world of the Guru. Navigating under the sway as Sasha falls are tested But their relationship, and their morality, utopian the ashram’s and secret agendas, they both begin to realise that within seekers tourists, of gangsters, deeply wrong. something is deeply, community, In the ashram, against the backdrop of the monsoon season, these two a connection – and a desire souls share the backdrop lost In the ashram, against their own countries. that eluded them in the happiness to find, in each other or in India itself, On the train he meets Sasha, a kind-hearted New Yorker recovering from a painful divorce, on her way to an divorce, on her way recovering from a painful On the train he meets Sasha, a kind-hearted New Yorker to find comfortisolated ashram where she hopes attractionfamous Guru. Acting on her to and direction from a without her her on her spiritual journey – and he implicates her in his crime him, she invites Connor to accompany knowledge. Connor is an Australian expat with a dark past, who lives in a sleepy beachside tourist town on the west coast of coast town on the west who lives in a sleepy beachside tourist expat with a dark past, Connor is an Australian a part-time and a part-time diving instructor who scams on lonely tourists conman – running low-stakes India. He’s spiritual journeys. through the town on their own one of his scams goes horribly wrong, a local gangster When pass the country. to smuggle a drug package across agree him a chance at redemption, if he’ll offers India, monsoon season.

LITERARY FICTION london 2020 9

RARY FICTIONRARY LITE means to be real. rade paperback – 304 pp rade paperback Rights held: World FAKE BABY FAKE Amy McDaid April 2020 New Zealand Penguin T has a Master of Creative Writing (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor’s Class (First of Creative Writing has a Master AMY MCDAID degree in English and History from the University draft of Auckland. The first of Fake a prize for richest - New Zealand’s Prize the Sir James Wallace awarded Baby was part-timecreative writing student. Amy works as a Newborn Intensive Care Nurse and has work published in The Spinoff and Auckland Three Lamps University’s Journal. Her short story Short shortlisted the Katherine Mansfield ‘Kowhai’ was for Story Author photo credit © Colleen Maria Lenihan in 2008. Novice Award Dark humour from an exciting new novelist Dark humour from an exciting new resilience and illness Challenges perceptions of mental Amy is an exciting new writer: (both of which part experience of mental illness Rarotongan, with family play a part in the novel) manuscript outstanding most for Prize of Creative Writing Master Amy won the 2017 Sir James Wallace writing student) a creative prize for richest (New Zealand’s her three ordinary but remains upbeat as Amy follows mental health issues, The novel addresses light touch and a warm, understanding characters with humour, • • • • • is a tender and funny exploration of the power of words, our perception of resilience, and what it words, our perception of resilience, exploration of the power of Baby is a tender and funny Fake Sales points ‘A darkly funny satire that’s both moving and wise.’ – Paula Morris – Paula both moving and wise.’ satire that’s darkly funny ‘A Lucas, pharmacist and all-round nice guy, is having one of the worst weeks of his life. His employees forgot his forgot His employees of his life. weeks is having one of the worst and all-round nice guy, pharmacist Lucas, error he is in hospital because of a medication customer and now his favourite his mother’s gone manic, birthday, all downhill after Or is life forty? things right? made. Can he make Jaanvi steals a life-like doll called James and cares for him as if he were her dead child. Her husband demands she him as if he were her dead child. Her husband doll called James and cares for a life-like Jaanvi steals she decides to grieve. how business nobody’s already bonded, and it’s return him. But she and James have Nine Days. One City. Three Oddballs. Stephen’s dead father is threatening to destroy the world. If Stephen commits is threatening to destroy dead father Stephen’s Three Oddballs. Nine Days. One City. thing he needs is a last The he will save humanity. the ultimate sacrifice and throws himself into the harbour, facility. to a mental health as a school boy and an admission masquerading Witness Jehovah’s

LITERARY FICTION london 2020 10 RARY FICTIONRARY LITE rade paperback – 352 pp rade paperback Rights held: World THE NIGHT OF ALL SOULS OF ALL NIGHT THE Swan Philippa March 2020 Vintage House New Zealand Random T PHILIPPA SWAN trained as a landscape architect, degrees with writer PHILIPPA Wellington Death) in a Small City (and from Otago and Melbourne. Her nonfiction book, Life published in 2001 to critical acclaim. In 2006 her award-winning shortGarden was . She NZ Book Month publication The Six Pack the selected for was story Coach’ ‘Life more than 15 years, a number of lifestyle magazines for has been a freelance writer for including NZ Gardener and Cuisine. AuthorRebecca McMillan photo credit © A satirical look at the biographical novel and appropriation of the lives of the famous, and a fascinating and a fascinating novel and appropriation of the lives of the famous, A satirical look at the biographical love influence their writing and experiences of life insight into how writers’ entertaining, – there two multi-faceted but connected stories following novel, different funny, A lively, her the reality for), of the man she fell (and her secret love affair life, is the story Wharton’s about Edith about a contemporarywriting and gardens; also a novella an enigmatic American couple in Italy meeting young New Zealand woman WhartonPulitzer-winning in early twentieth-century writer Edith a significant figure was American 7 novellas, 85 short She wrote 15 novels, society. stories, of upper-class critic astute literature and a witty, travel, literary and cultural criticism, and poetry, 11 nonfiction titles on Italian gardens, design, memoir, TV a dozen films, plus four there have been at least adaptations and two plays made of her novels. well-known productions are The House of MirthThe most Gillian Anderson) and The Age (starring of Innocence. historical figure in a modern novella, and as an elusive presence in the pages of her own writing. presence in the pages of her in a modern novella, and as an elusive historical figure • • • In this unique and entertainingIn this unique and Wharton novel, Edith the afterlife, a reimagined: as a host in is variously ‘Philippa Swan is an original voice that is articulate, ‘Philippa Swan – NZ Books disarmingly refreshing’ humorous and Sales points Edith sets out to read the novella, but she is joined by others who are fearful sets out to read the novella, but she is joined by others about what it might reveal. Edith nds the manuscript of a modern novella inspired by her life. An inspired by her life. finds the manuscript of a modern novella Summoned to a room in the afterlife, Edith the novella or allow its whether to destroy to consider carefully accompanying letter from her editor advises Edith and privilege, and to reignite the misrepresentations of her haughtiness publication. Is this her chance to correct in her writing? interest Hugely acclaimed during her lifetime, writer Edith Wharton writer Edith extraordinaryHugely acclaimed during her lifetime, is back — with the most opportunity.

literary fiction london 2020 11 RARY FICTIONRARY LITE birthday th ALL THE WAY TO SUMMER: STORIES OF LOVE AND AND OF LOVE STORIES SUMMER: TO THE WAY ALL LONGING Fiona Kidman March 2020 Vintage House New Zealand Random pp Hardback – 368 Rights held: World has published over 30 books, including novels, poetry, non- FIONA KIDMAN has published over 30 books, DAME wrote: ‘In her craft The New Zealand Listener her storytelling and fiction and a play. and experience, she is the best of female expression tough gutsy in her compassionate Her novel and fellowships. She has been the recipient of numerous awards we have.’ This Mortal Acorn Foundation Boy won the 2019 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards the NZSA the NZ Booklovers Award, Fiction Fiction Prize, for Heritage Book Award made a Dame was Novel. Kidman Best for Award and the Ngaio Marsh Crime Writing recently a (DNZM) in 1998 in recognition of her contribution to literature, and more of Legion des Arts of the French de l’Ordre et des Lettres and a Chevalier Chevalier ‘We in New Zealand without acknowledging her,’ cannot talk about writing Honour. she shows prose and the way (mainly) accessible . ‘Kidman’s wrote New Zealand Books her a has guaranteed social pressures women grappling to escape from restricting Author photo credit © Random House New Zealand permanent place in our fiction.’ longing, from the award-winninglonging, from the of This Mortal author Boy. Kidman’s stories have often stories been compared to those of Alice Munro Kidman’s and present, New in an unapologetically – its people and its land past Stories that capture New Zealand Zealand voice Auckland, Australia, the Kaipara, KeriKeri, Waipu, Ohakune, Rotorua, A range of vivid settings – Wellington, Canada and Vietnam won the Acorn Foundation Prize, the Booklovers book This Mortal Prize, Boy won the Acorn Foundation Dame Fiona Kidman’s In 2019, and the Ngaio March Award the Heritage Award Award, 80 will mark Fiona’s This gorgeous hardback collection • • • • • A book to treasure from one of New Zealand’s literary greats – a powerful from one of New Zealand’s A book to treasure love and collection of stories exploring ‘Believable, insightful and about us. . . captures the mindset of New Zealand citizens at a time when old ways when old ways and about us. . . captures the mindset of New Zealand citizens at a time insightful ‘Believable, . . . This is an important book which reminds us of the fragilitywere being challenged by new. of youth and how Weekly – Australian Women’s action.’ lives can be altered by a moment’s devastatingly ‘Her honourable title is well deserved and she is ranked amongst the best in New Zealand authors. A truly rewarding ‘Her honourable title is well deserved in New Zealand authors. A truly rewarding the best amongst she is ranked and Times-Age – Wairarapa read.’ Praise for This Mortal Boy Sales points Her writing made her a feminist icon in the early 1980s, and she has since continued to tell the realities of women’s of women’s icon in the early 1980s, and she has since continued to tell the realities Her writing made her a feminist this mark her 80th birthday, the world. To readers over the years and across resonating with many lives, her books as well as several that are new or previously volume brings together a variety of her previously published stories historystories trace her own and written with love. The final uncollected; all moving, insightful of of love, a memoir and beyond. significant people from childhood Fiona Kidman’s early stories about New Zealand women’s experiences scandalised readers with their vivid experiences scandalised women’s about New Zealand stories early Fiona Kidman’s depictions of the heartbreaks and joys of desire, illicit liaisons and unconventional love.

literary fiction london 2020 12 RARY FICTIONRARY LITE LANDMARKS Brian Turner Sydney and Grahame Owen Marshall, 2020 November House New Zealand Random – 160 pp Hardback Rights held: World OWEN MARSHALL is an award-winning novelist, short story writer and poet who has include the bestselling His works prose writer’. best been described as ‘New Zealand’s his fiction include the New Zealand Literary for Fund , and awards novel The Larnachs ScholarshipOtago and Canterbury in Letters, fellowships at universities, and the Katherine an Officer of France. In 2000 he became Fellowship in Menton, Memorial Mansfield servicesthe New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for made a to literature; in 2012 was the Prime Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) and in 2013 received Literary for Award Minister’s in Fiction. Author Achievement photo credit © Jackie Jones and one of New Zealand’s Laureate Mata Poet Te BRIAN TURNER is a former loved poets. An ardent and accomplished sportsman,best conservationist and an Honorary awarded wild places, he was Doctorate champion of New Zealand’s by the University and lives in of Otago in 2011. He is the author of several books in central Otago. Author photo credit © Gilbertthe Ida Valley Reenan van major artists, for known best GRAHAME is one of New Zealand’s SYDNEY egg in oils, watercolours, his glorious landscapes of Central Otago. Working tempera, etchings and lithographs, his paintings have been widely exhibited and public collections worldwide. In 2003 Sydney was and are held in private for servicesmade an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit to painting. A large, stunning, high-production book featuring over sixty and two book featuring high-production images, poems and stories, A large, stunning, non-fiction Land pieces. A companion to Timeless huge reputations and large bodies of work to their names three multi-prize winners with From A love story areas to Central Otago and the surrounding A landmark book celebrating the work of three of New Zealand’s literary and artisticNew Zealand’s celebrating the work of three of A landmark book heavyweights. • • • Sales points Twenty-five years later, a lavish new collection of material from these three literary a lavish Twenty-five and artistic years later, heavyweights will showcase further paintings, work, including newly written, pieces. Encompassing previously unpublished poetry, short and some non-fiction, of the varied aspects stories South Island, celebrating the the book presents voices. to it,landscape, exploring the threats posed its people and varied and showcasing was published, bringing together the complementary published, bringing together was short- Land work of artistIn 1995 Timeless Grahame Sydney, story writer Owen Brian Turner. Marshall and poet

fiction/poetry anthology london 2020 13 N- A FICTIONRY /POET GY THOLO rade paperback – 400 pp rade paperback Rights held: World Random House Australia) (Penguin Rights sold: Audio THE ORIGIN OF ME OF ORIGIN THE Gallate Bernard March 2020 Vintage Australia T began his professional life in the animation industry life BERNARD GALLATE with began his professional After studying Disney and a multimedia agency. Walt Hanna-Barbera, later working for six years while writing acting, he ran climbing tours of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for readers. Bernard currently teaches programs on younger for books and illustrating The Origin of the city. sites across and archaeology at historical early Sydney life Random House Penguin Australia novel. Me is his first Author photo credit © Visual and colourfulVisual writing gives a magical twist to the coming-of-age story of brilliant characters a diverse cast Features and universally relatable voice A distinctive A timely story and the exploring high-school politics, male friendship, homophobia, sexism, body image identitysearch for and belonging One of our big debuts on the 2020 list • • • • • A beguilingly original and satirical debut novel of friendships, imagination, and the bodies we live in. friendships, imagination, and the and satirical debut novel of A beguilingly original Sales points Audacious, funny and wonderfullyAudacious, funny to the joy of is a song to friendship, to young love, inventive, The Origin of Me and present. both past imagination, and to celebrating differences, As he searches for answers to his big life questions, he turns to the school library, where he finds a nineteenth- to the school library, he turns questions, answers to his big life As for he searches book, the life-changing century memoir titled My One Redeeming Affliction. As slowly reads this peculiar, Lincoln Ways that defy and alarming ways. reaches into his present in fascinating imagination . . . past Crestfield offers Lincoln a new set of peers – the crème de la crème of gifted Lincoln a new set of peers – the crème de la offers individuals, who also happen to be Crestfield but make the swim team with a bunch of thugs in Speedos who ‘befriend’ him financially loaded – and a place on growing nor does Lincoln’s any easier, life make hell. Homunculus, the little his head, doesn’t voice inside his life – he appears to be growing a tail! of a genetic anomaly that threatens to humiliate him awareness Lincoln Locke is fifteen He moves into is turned upside down. years old when his parents get a divorce and his life Lincoln Locke full of elite and exclusive school an Academy, and to Crestfield a bachelor-pad in inner-city Sydney with his father, rich kids.

literary fiction london 2020 14 RARY FICTIONRARY LITE Half Moon Lake. is a gripping family drama about Riptides is a gripping family ebruary 2020 rade paperback – 352 pp rade paperback Rights held: World Random House Australia) (Penguin Rights sold: Audio title (Half Moon Lake): NorthRights sold previous America (Hachette) RIPTIDES Alexander Kirsten F Australia Bantam T was born in San Francisco, raised in Brisbane, and now lives ALEXANDER raised in Brisbane, and KIRSTEN born in San Francisco, was in Melbourne with her partner and two sons. She is co-founder of the short story site Storymart, and has written The Age, and Atticus, for The Daily Beast Review The Book Show. Her acclaimed ABC Radio National’s as a reviewer for and worked published in January was debut novel Half Moon Lake and will be released in North Riptides is her second novel. Author © Janis House photo credit America in 2020. dreams, choices and consequences, from the acclaimed author of and consequences, from the acclaimed dreams, choices A suspenseful, heart-in-your-mouthA suspenseful, drama, perfect holiday reading family for of moral ambiguity moments and questions ‘whatA great book-club choice – lots of would you do?’ Prize, received High Commendation for the PEN/Bellwether a 2014 finalist An early version of Riptides was Literaryin the Victorian Premier’s and gained Alexander entry Awards, to the Banff Center • • • Set in Queensland during a time of tremendous social upheaval, of tremendous social upheaval, during a time Set in Queensland Previous title: Half Moon Lake the Australian for , in January longlisted and it was previous novel, Half Moon Lake 2019, published Kirsten’s We novel, set in historical Inspired by a real case, it is a captivating 2019. Ned Kelly Awards Association Crime Writers received boy – and the two South, Deep about a lost mothers who both seek to claim him. Half Moon Lake America’s ). Boy Found widespread acclaim, and will be published by Hachette in North the title Lost America in 2020 (under Praise for Riptides the fragility of a novel that examines the of the family, a tempest and strength ‘Riptides is an absolute tour de force, of the pyrotechnic mid-1970s the backdrop set against impacts of our decisions, truth and lies, loyalty and betrayal, Riptides I found – what does it mean to be human? universal question Beating beneath it all is that Queensland. – Matthew Condon, author of The Night Dragon and Jack and Jokers simply unputdownable’ Sales points In the heat of the moment, Abby and Charlie make a fateful decision. They flee, leaving the woman’s body in a ditch flee, leaving the woman’s decision. They a fateful In the heat of the moment, Abby and Charlie make that heavyto be discovered by police, and hoping Both of them simply have too much will erase their tracks. rainfall discover who they have killed, and how that they to lose. But it is only after and arriving at the farm away driving escape, as their terrible secret pulls them down a riptide they can’t Soon, the truth is like many lives will be affected. How will Abby hide the accident from and their futures. their family of shaking the foundations deeper by the day, And what will that Mark is investigating? commune to the mysterious linked this woman her husband? How was happen if their crime is revealed? December 1974. Abby Campbell and her brother Charlie are driving to their father’s farm on a dark country farm to their father’s Abby Campbell and her brother Charlie are driving road December 1974. – is killed it into a tree. The driver – a young pregnant woman forcing when they swerve another car, into the path of Charlie is jetlagged after At the time of the crash, flying home from Bali, and probably drunk. Abby is instantly. around the clock. Mark works husband from her hectic mothering duties, while her journalist exhausted A rainy night, a dark road, an accident. One bad decision can tear your world apart…

FICTION london 2020 15

FICTION rade paperback – 368 pp rade paperback Rights held: World Random House Australia) (Penguin Rights sold: Audio THE BLUFFS THE Perry Kyle July 2020 Michael Joseph T is a counsellor and youth worker who has worked extensively in high schools, who has worked is a counsellor and youth worker KYLE PERRY and journeys that youth shelters and drug rehabs. In his work he encounters stories Western foothills of the Great mother grew up in the Kyle’s would fill a hundred books. heartland, search and called on for was where his grandfather Tiers, in Tasmania’s mountains twice, in Tasmanian himself has been lost rescues in the mountains. Kyle way back out. on branches to find his He and once used ripped pages of a journal stuck things in the bush that defy not spoken has also seen strange explanation and are best North divides his time betweenabout. Kyle his small country in Tasmania’s hometown and Hobart.West is his debut novel. Author © James Brewer The Bluffs photo credit Don’t walk alone by the mountain and tree, for the hungry walk alone by the mountain man will come for me… Don’t Gritty, contemporary rural crime, set in Tasmania’s wilderness contemporaryGritty, rural crime, set in Tasmania’s of Jane Harper fans for Perfect talent Big debut from a young, up-and-coming Australian • • • Sales points Could it be that this particular group of adolescent girls are not as innocent as they seem? What happened up there What happened up Could it be that this particular of adolescent girls are not as innocent as they seem? group true... the local legends are Somebody knows. Unless on the bluffs? When the body of one of the girls is found, mauled, at the bottom of a cliff, suspicion turns to a wild animal – but suspicion mauled, at the bottom of a cliff, found, When the body of one of the girls is nearby, with her shoes found and present, discovered barefoot, was all victims past explain why she, like that can’t laces neatly tied. When a group of teenage girls go missing in the remote wilderness of Tasmania’s Great Western Tiers, the people Great Western of Tasmania’s remote wilderness in the When a group of teenage girls go missing Creek are immediately on alert.of Limestone in the area of those went missing Not long ago, six young girls authorities can determine Now, of ‘The and the legends dangerous bluffs, haunt locals to this day. Hungry Man’ Jordan play. up to foul unconscious, so someone on the mountain was knocked Eliza Ellis, was that the teacher, becomes a prime suspect, instantly local drug dealer, Jasmine and the town’s student of missing father Murphy, knows town this size – with corrupt cops, small-town politics, and a teenage that in a but Detective Con Badenhorst nature. anyone could be hiding something, and bluffing comes as second sensation – YouTube It is a land of rugged wilderness, of ice and snow and blistering heat. They say extinct tigers still roam there. They heat. They say extinct tigers still and blistering of ice and snow It is a land of rugged wilderness, say other things roam, too.

Crime/thriller london 2020 16 ILLE R THR / CRIME murder. rade paperback – 336 pp – 336 rade paperback Rights held: World Rights held: (Audible)Rights sold: Audio title (Greenlight): NorthRights sold previous America (Sourcebooks); (Hachette); Audio (Audible)United Kingdom EITHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT MIDNIGHT OF SIDE EITHER Stevenson Benjamin 2020 September Michael Joseph T is an award-winning stand-up comedian and author. BENJAMIN STEVENSON is an award-winning comedian and author. stand-up Debut Crime Best shortlisted for novel, Greenlight, was the Ned Kelly Award for His first Fiction, and published in the USA UK. and He has sold out shows from the Melbourne and has Festival Fringe to the Edinburgh all the way International Comedy Festival and The Comedy Channel. Off-stage, Benjamin Channel 10, appeared on ABCTV, publishing houses and literary for has worked agencies in Australia and the USA. He authors at Curtis best-loved Brown Australia. with some of Australia’s currently works Either Side of Midnight is his second novel. Author © Amelia Dowd photo credit suicide live on air – yet his own brother is convinced it was – yet his own brother is convinced suicide live on air ‘An outstanding debut from an exceptional new talent, this is an absorbing thriller told with heart and wit.’ new talent, debut from an exceptional absorbing thriller told with heart this is an outstanding and wit.’ ‘An - Jane Harper – Chris lie down. A great debut.’ a plot that won’t protagonist, premise, a guilt-ridden hugely original ‘A Hammer – Candice Fox of mind-bending twists intricately plotted and turns.’ novel full ‘Such an assured, – Mark Brandi until the very page.’ me guessing knotted gripping, densely last debut that kept ‘A A clever, original thriller by an exciting new voice in Australian crime fiction. Benjamin is a young, edgy original thriller by an exciting new voice in Australian A clever, writer who dares to try the genre new things within quickly see Benjamin build a brand name concept-driven fiction that will Fast-moving, and sent to prison in 2014 for convicted of manslaughter case of Michelle Carter, Inspired by the real life encouraging her friend Conrad Roy to commit suicide Adrian McKinty and Dervla Fox, of Michael Robotham, Candice fans for Perfect McTiernan • • • • • • • • An electrifying a popular TV viewers witness premise: one million thriller with a mind-bending presenter commit Praise for Greenlight Sales points sceptical – until, when studying the tapes of the final show, he catches sight of the words on the he catches sight of the tapes of the final show, the And Jack is sceptical – until, when studying the autocue? behind Sam. Did someone talk Sam into killing himself through teleprompter reflected on the screen And a public way? and in such his own life, be enough to compel him to take What secret did Sam have that would sweetheart childhood earlier? 20 years of Sam’s with the suicide how is this linked Instead, he pulls out a gun and shoots himself in the head. Sam’s grief-stricken brother Harry grief-stricken is convinced his and shoots himself in the head. Sam’s he pulls out a gun Instead, himself pull the trigger? Sam Harry viewers witnessed murdered. But how can that be, when one million brother was withholding evidence for producer recently released from prison a disgraced crime podcast turns to Jack Quick, at the TVon a previous case. Jack used to work channel where the tragedy happened – so maybe he can get Harry tapes. Harry to the crime scene and the access on the case, despite will take money so knows Jack is desperate for all the evidence to the contrary. At 9.01 pm, TV presenter Sam Midford delivers the monologue for his popular current affairs show Mr Midnight. He show pm, TV his popular current affairs for delivers the monologue presenter Sam Midford At 9.01 air. about to propose to his girlfriend live on seems nervous and the crew are convinced he’s How can it be murder when the victim pulled the trigger?How can it be murder when the victim

Crime/thriller london 2020 17 rade paperback – 352 pp rade paperback Rights held: World CROC COUNTRY CROC Kerry McGinnis July 2020 Michael Joseph T was born in Adelaide and at the age of twelve was of took up a life MCGINNIS KERRY the travelled extensively across siblings. The family and four droving with her father settling in the Gulf Country. before on a station Northern and Queensland Territory Kerry cook on the as a shepherd, droving hand, gardener and station has worked propertyfamily Bowthorn, north-west of Mt Isa. She is the author of two volumes of Blue and Heart Pieces Country novels The Waddi of memoir, , and the bestselling North, of Alice, Secrets of the Springs, Out Tracking Wildhorse Creek, Mallee Sky, Tree, The Heartwood. Kerry Hotel and The Roadhouse now lives in Bundaberg. The new outback mysteryThe new outback of The Roadhouse. from the bestselling author New outback mystery author favourite from a perennial Kerry sales backlist author with strong is a bestselling hook strong commercial trafficking gives the book a matter of crocodiles and wildlife subject Fabulous Kerry in Australia enduring and authentic writers of rural stories is one of the most • • • • Sales points Set against the lush backdrop of the Northern Territory with its vibrant birds and deadly wildlife, this is a chilling the Northern of wildlife, with its vibrant birds and deadly the lush backdrop Set against Territory mysteryand highly evocative family remote and about the wild and dangerous things that can happen in the most untamed corners of Australia. But when the police show up asking questions about Gerry, the peaceful routine she’s built is disrupted as she routine she’s the peaceful about Gerry, questions But when the police show up asking more emotion up even Connor stirs of botanist The arrival what really happened to her family. begins to question of wildlife evidence across stumble When she and young ranger Luke who she can trust. and has Tilly questioning her sanctuary suddenly smugglers on a visit to the local caves, has and it becomes clear the past safe is no longer her. well and truly come back to haunt Young widow Tilly is making a new life for herself, keeping house for the rangers at the Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary the rangers at the Binboona Wildlife house for keeping herself, for widow Tilly is making a new life Young of the north-western and helping to run the wildlife in the isolated wilderness injured Caring for Gulf Country. she needs from everything the distraction campsite are just popular tourist she left behind when her husband, at sea. Gerry, and young daughter were lost Why would the police come back looking for a dead man? for Why would the police come back looking

RUral fiction london 2020 18 RURAL FICTION ranslation rade paperback – 336 pp – 336 rade paperback Rights held: ANZ + T Rights held: The Homestead Girls, Heart titles (Red Sand Sunrise, Rights sold previous The Desert Midwives): Audio Aussie Midwife, Doctor, The Baby of the Sky, (Bolinda) THE BUSH TELEGRAPH BUSH THE McArthurFiona 2020 September Michael Joseph T ‘Small towns and gossip go together like trees and birds.’ go together gossip ‘Small towns and Drawing from her life as a rural midwife, FIONA MCARTHUR as a rural midwife, shares her love of working with Drawing from her life in her books. and health professionals women, families pacey fiction, her love of the landscape meshes Australian In her compassionate, multigenerational characters as she highlights challenges funny, with warm, beautifully shared between and the strength rural and remote families, women. Happy endings for are a must. Fiona is the author of non-fiction Midwives, and lives on a book Aussie with her husband in northern the NSW farm awarded New South She was Wales. Excellence in Midwifery in 2015. Author photo credit © Fiona McArthur Award Heartwarming author a bestselling new romance from and educator who brings great authenticity midwife to her novels Fiona is a former commercial fiction Highly accessible country themes of drought, struggling towns, and older people in the workforce Topical • • • • Sales points is a romantic author of The Desert and bestselling The Bush Telegraph midwife renowned Midwife, Australia’s From drama about love, friendship, community in the outback. and the joys life and challenges of Can Maddy ignore the rumours about Connor and risk her heart again? Or will the bush telegraph spread along the Connor and risk her heartCan Maddy ignore the rumours about again? of trust? in the way and stand wire fences Station owner Connor Fairhall thought he’d left the drama behind in Sydney, but moving back to Spinifex with his with but moving back to Spinifex left the drama behind in Sydney, thought he’d Station owner Connor Fairhall is drinking too much and the Kyle envisioned. His brother been the fresh start he’d rebellious son, Jayden, hasn’t into the weary new life breathing town, little by little. who’s Nurse Maddy, only bright spot on the horizon is meeting It’s been more than ten years since Maddy Locke left birth the small outback town where she gave Spinifex, more than ten years since Maddy Locke been to her It’s the memories centre and face to run the medical got what it takes to prove she’s back Bridget. Now she’s daughter, But everything’s aren’t of that challenging time in her life. is gone, her new colleagues changed – the old pub drier and hotter than ever. and it’s pleased to see her,

RUral fiction london 2020 19