Hot Key Books, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Pools, a sweeping and poignant love story from E. Lockhart, bestselling author of the global sensation We Were Liars.
Emma Matthewson, executive publisher at Hot Key Books, acquired English UK and Comm rights excluding Canada and ANZ from Hannah Babcock, Director Subsidiary Rights, Random House USA.
Powerful and intense, The Pools is a compelling and memorable love story full of simmering darkness and astonishing twists, following two teenagers whose lives are shattered by a shocking transformation.
Once, in a small New England town known for its hot springs, something terrible happened. Something that should have been a warning to stay away from the pools, if the stories were to be believed. But no one is afraid of the water anymore, even if they should be.
When new girl Lexie meets golden boy Chester, their chemistry is undeniable. She’s running from a glittering life she won’t speak about. He’s hiding secrets of his own. Their connection feels bigger than both of them, despite their damage.
One frigid winter morning in that small New England town, five people go for a swim in the pools. Five people, including Chester. What happens there sends shock waves through the town—and changes life as Lexie knows it forever.
E. Lockhart says: “I took a big swing with The Pools, bringing my readers the plot twists, New England landscape, intense romance and gothic vibes they want in what is hopefully an entirely new way.”
Emma Matthewson, executive publisher at Hot Key Books, said: “I am thrilled to be publishing this haunting love story – in gorgeously lyrical prose – from E. Lockhart. The storytelling weaves together tragedy, broken lives, surprising twists and uplifting romance so elegantly it will resonate in the mind long after reading.”
E. Lockhart is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the LIARS novels: We Were Liars, Family of Liars, and We Fell Apart. We Were Liars is also an original series on Prime Video. Her other books include Again Again, Genuine Fraud, and The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks. She has been a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the National Book Award and an honoree for the Printz Award. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. @elockhartbooks
The Pools will be publishing in paperback in October 2026.
Photography credit: © Heather Weston
