Embla Books, the digital-first commercial fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired two brand new psychological thrillers from the acclaimed Penny Batchelor.
The imprint has also simultaneously snapped up two previously-published psychological thrillers from Batchelor and a sweeping historical World War II novel from Amanda Weinberg following the closure of the authors’ previous publisher RedDoor Press, with plans to re-release and repackage the novels under the Embla banner later this year.
Cara Chimirri, Embla’s editorial director, acquired world all language rights for all titles direct from both authors.
Penny Batchelor’s Her New Best Friend and the Guardian ‘Not the Booker Prize’- longlisted My Perfect Sister will be repackaged by Embla for publication in 2023, to be followed by her two brand-new psychological thrillers in 2024.
Chimirri said: ‘Penny is the master of the did-not-see-that-coming twist and both Her New Best Friend and My Perfect Sister had me gripped from the very first page until the final heart-stopping conclusion – which always makes you question everything you thought you knew! Penny captures the characters and situations we can all recognize from our own lives, but pushes them to their limits. It is such a privilege to welcome her to the list at Embla.’
Batchelor said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the Embla team and can’t wait to work with Cara and Emilie. They are extremely supportive of my work and I look forward to introducing two more books to readers. I’ve long since admired Bonnier Books and it’s a dream to be one of their authors.’
Embla will also re-release Amanda Weinberg’s Italian World War II novel The Tears of Monterini as The Italian Bookshop Among the Vines, in spring 2023.
Chimirri said: ‘I am an avid historical fiction fan and Amanda’s stunning novel cast a spell over me, as it transported me to wartime Italy and shone a spotlight on some of the most fascinating, heartbreaking and inspiring events of that time. Her amazing reader reviews speak for themselves, and I could not be more thrilled to be working with Amanda to take it to even more readers around the world.’
Weinberg said: ‘I am totally thrilled to be joining Bonnier Books UK’s team of authors as part of the Embla division. So excited for the launch of the new cover and title and I am looking forward to introducing my story to a new group of readers.’
Clare Christian of RedDoor Press said: ‘I am so delighted that these wonderful books have found a new home with the talented team at Embla. Both Penny and Amanda are exceptional storytellers and I am looking forward to seeing where this new partnership takes them.’
