Zaffre acquires “gripping” debut suspense thriller, To Keep You Safe
Editorial Director Katherine Armstrong acquired world rights from Jane Gregory at Gregory & Co
Zaffre, the flagship adult fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired debut author Kate Bradley’s riveting suspense thriller, To Keep You Safe. Editorial Director Katherine Armstrong acquired world rights in a two-book deal from Jane Gregory at Gregory & Co, part of David Higham Agency.
To Keep You Safe tells the story of ex-soldier-turned-teacher Jenni Wales, who stops the potential abduction from school of one of her vulnerable pupils, 15-year-old Destiny. When social services and the police don’t take the threat seriously, Jenni does the only thing she can think of to keep Destiny safe: she takes her. With the men that are after Destiny close behind them, Jenni must keep her safe at all costs. But what if what Jenni thought she saw isn’t the truth at all? What if the truth is darker than either of them want to face?
“To Keep You Safe is at once a gripping and carefully crafted thriller, but it also raises relevant questions about serious issues and points out where the system can fail those who are most vulnerable and in need of protection.”
Katherine Armstrong, Editorial Director, Zaffre
Armstrong said: ‘I first met Kate when I mentored her on the fantastic WoMentoring project a couple of years ago and it’s so exciting to now be publishing her. To Keep You Safe is at once a gripping and carefully crafted thriller, but it also raises relevant questions about serious issues and points out where the system can fail those who are most vulnerable and in need of protection. Kate is a thrilling new talent and I can’t wait to get the book into the hands of readers!’
Jane Gregory said: ‘Working with Kate has been a delight, she has such an original voice, and we are thrilled that she is to be published by Katherine Armstrong, her original champion.’
“I’m thrilled to be working with Katherine and the dynamic team at Zaffre. Katherine has taken time to nurture my writing, which is above generous in such a busy industry, so I’m obviously delighted with this opportunity.”
Kate Bradley, Author
Bradley said: ‘After working for many years with adults with challenging behaviour, I’m only too aware at how unhappy childhoods can cast long shadows into later life. Arguably, today’s teenagers face evermore complex challenges and tragically it’s often the most vulnerable that encounter the most dangerous situations; in Destiny’s case it’s gang exploitation and trafficking – a global issue with terrifying personal consequences. I’m thrilled to be working with Katherine and the dynamic team at Zaffre. Katherine has taken time to nurture my writing, which is above generous in such a busy industry, so I’m obviously delighted with this opportunity.’
Zaffre will publish To Keep You Safe in March 2020.
About Kate Bradley
Kate worked for many years managing services for people who are marginalised by society; her work has taken her into prisons, mental health hospitals and alongside the homeless. She currently works in education. She holds a first-class degree in English Literature, in addition to qualifications in creative writing and teaching.
