News Today's Book News

[AgentPete]

PRH wins slow‑burn romantasy debut in six‑figure pre‑empt​

Penguin Random House Children’s pre‑empted Charlotte B. Plumb’s debut novel *Reap & Sow* in a six‑figure deal. Described as a slow‑burn, gothic romantasy with an atmospheric tone and emotionally resonant characters, the novel will lead the publisher’s fantasy list.

W&N signs exploration of mushroom triple murder trial​

Weidenfeld & Nicolson acquired a true‑crime title described as “an indelible portrait of an extraordinary triple murder trial.” *The Mushroom Tapes: Conversations on a Triple Murder Trial* promises an in‑depth exploration of the circumstances and impact of the case.

T S Eliot Prize reveals 2025 shortlist​

The T S Eliot Prize judges announced ten poetry collections for the 2025 shortlist. Judge Michael Hofmann praised the selections for their range, suggestiveness and power, setting the stage for a competitive award season.

Catastrophe Foretold at Viking​

Viking acquired *Catastrophe Foretold*, in which crisis‑warnings expert Nikki Ikani examines ten major disasters from the past century. The book considers how early warnings were missed and what could have been done differently to prevent catastrophe.

Viv Loves Film teams up with Claret Press​

The production company Viv Loves Film formed a partnership with Claret Press to bring selected titles to screen. The collaboration will see Viv Loves Film represent a number of the publisher’s books for film and television adaptation.

Biggest ever Phoenix Fest to take place in 2026​

Family‑friendly comics festival Phoenix Fest announced that its 2026 edition will be its largest yet, with more than 6,000 tickets to be made available. Organisers promise a bigger programme of events and activities for fans of comics and graphic novels.

Rhiannon Lambert tackles fibre at DK​

Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert’s new book *The Fibre Formula* will be published by DK. The title offers recipes and practical advice to help readers increase their fibre intake for better digestive health and overall well‑being.

Arathi Menon makes adult fiction debut at Fly on the Wall​

Arathi Menon’s first novel for adults, *Da*, has been acquired by indie publisher Fly on the Wall. The book explores themes of love, loyalty and secrecy under prejudice, signalling a new phase in the author’s literary career.

HarperCollins celebrates five years of HarperNorth​

HarperCollins marked the fifth anniversary of its northern imprint HarperNorth, noting that the division has published more than 60 authors since its launch. The milestone reflects the imprint’s commitment to championing voices from across the North of England.

Viking acquires Elizabeth Strout’s ‘most profound novel yet’​

Publisher Viking has acquired a forthcoming novel by Pulitzer Prize‑winner Elizabeth Strout, described as her most profound work to date. The book continues the longstanding relationship between Strout and the imprint and is expected to draw significant attention upon release.

S&S signs glossy New York murder mystery​

Simon & Schuster has bought Gigi Waldorf’s murder‑mystery novel *Murder on the Upper East Side*. The glossy crime story, set in the high society of New York City, is slated for publication in June 2026.

Dame Jilly Cooper dies aged 88​

Beloved author Dame Jilly Cooper died after a fall at her home, aged 88. Known for her bestselling Rutshire Chronicles and for novels such as *Riders*, she leaves behind a significant legacy in contemporary British fiction.

BookLife Publishing enters trade market with new children’s imprint​

Educational publisher BookLife is moving into the general trade market with Tangle & Twig, a new children’s imprint. The imprint will focus on publishing original children’s fiction and non‑fiction beyond the school market.

Intimidating behaviour towards bookshop owners on the rise, according to BA survey​

A Booksellers Association survey found that more than half of independent bookshop owners have experienced increased intimidating behaviour towards themselves or their staff. The report underscores growing concerns about harassment and calls for better support for retailers.

Profile Books signs ‘nail‑biting’ exposé of ‘dark economy’ of cybercrime​

Profile Books has acquired *We Know You Can Pay a Million: Inside the Dark Economy of Hacking and Ransomware* by Anja Shortland. The book promises a gripping look at the underworld of cyber‑extortion and the lucrative ransomware economy.

John Murray Press to publish Fiona Mozley’s third book​

John Murray Press will publish the third book by Booker‑shortlisted and Women’s Prize‑nominated author Fiona Mozley. The new novel will be eagerly anticipated by readers familiar with her critically acclaimed earlier works.

HQ pre‑empts Sophie Zijlstra’s biography of Anne Frank’s sister Margot​

HarperCollins imprint HQ has pre‑empted a biography of Margot Frank by Dutch author Sophie Zijlstra. The book aims to shed light on the life of Anne Frank’s lesser‑known sister, offering a new perspective on the Frank family’s history.

Piatkus Fiction wins nine dark romance novels by Leigh Rivers at auction​

Piatkus Fiction has acquired nine dark‑romance novels by Leigh Rivers, including the *Edge of Darkness* trilogy, the *Web of Silence* duet and a forthcoming series. The large deal demonstrates growing publisher appetite for darker romance narratives.

The future of reading​

In a commentary piece, Sarah Cooksley argues that the publishing industry must come together to discuss what the future of reading means. She calls on authors, publishers and readers to collaborate and adapt to changes in how stories are created and consumed.

 

[Hannah Faoileán]

"The Mushroom Tapes" - the news only touched the surface. This book digs much deeper and uncovers a whole network of sinister strands.

"Hacking and Ransomware" - click here to pre-order

 

[Pamela Jo]

Any word on Annie's dark romance?

 

[Hannah Faoileán]

Any word on Annie's dark romance?

It's not due out until February 2026, I believe. There was a mention when she was taken on by the publisher.