Pan Macmillan has signed THE HIDEAWAY and one more destination thriller by debut author Nikki Allen. Crime and thriller editor Raphaella Demetris acquired world English language rights from Kate Burke at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency. THE HIDEAWAY, the first book in the deal, will be published in July 2025, with the second thriller to follow in 2026. Romanian rights have also been sold to THE HIDEAWAY.
Pulse-pounding and replete with twists and turns, THE HIDEAWAY follows five strangers invited to an exclusive retreat who, finding themselves stranded in the Costa Rican rainforest with night fast approaching, realise they can’t trust their surroundings, or each other. It will captivate fans of NINE PERFECT STRANGERS and The White Lotus.
Nikki Allen says: ‘As soon as I met Raphaella and heard her excitement and vision for THE HIDEAWAY, I knew my debut had found its perfect home. After reading true stories of tourists disappearing in the Costa Rican rainforest, I was inspired to write a thriller with heart, that could explore the theme of ‘toxic wellness’ and bring to life a set of diverse characters – with plenty of secrets to hide! I am so delighted to be working with Raphaella and her amazing team at Pan Macmillan and also want to thank my fabulous agent Kate Burke for so fiercely believing in me and my book since day one.’
Raphaella Demetris says: ‘THE HIDEAWAY gripped me from the first page with its dynamic tone, riveting premise, and the masterfully painted portrayal of an unexpectedly daunting and claustrophobic rainforest setting. Nikki skilfully tackles weighty themes with grace and nuance, transcending the genre’s boundaries while maintaining an engaging and fast-paced narrative. I am absolutely delighted to be publishing this exhilarating debut.’
About Nikki Allen
Nikki Allen wrote her first book aged five – sadly, THE ADVENTURES OF SILLY SUSIE SAUSAGE didn’t get picked up for publication – and has been writing ever since. After studying languages at UCL, she decided the best way to write for a living was to become a local news journalist and copywriter. But in her thirties, the call of creative writing got too loud to ignore and she tried her hand at a novel.
Nikki is also a qualified therapist, and her endless fascination with people and their stories inspires much of her writing. She was born in Holland, grew up the only Jewish kid in her Worcestershire village, and now lives in North London with her husband, two young children and a rather overweight cat called Tiny.
Visit Nikki’s website.