Seven Dials to publish A MOTHER’S PROMISE, Renee Salt’s Holocaust survival story (written with Kate Thompson)

Orion imprint Seven Dials is set to publish the true-life story of Renee Salt, a ninety-five-year-old Holocaust survivor, on 13th February 2025 in Hardback, eBook and audio.

Beth Eynon, Editorial Director for Seven Dials, acquired UK & Commonwealth excluding Canadian rights from Kate Burke at Blake Friedmann in a pre-empt. US rights have also sold to Alcove Press and Canadian rights at auction to Simon & Schuster.

Born Rywka Ruchla Berkowicz in Poland in 1929, Renee was just ten years old when World War II brought horror to her doorstep. In A MOTHER’S PROMISE, Renee tells her story from invasion to liberation, as she was moved from ghetto to camp, with one constant – her mother by her side. Every day for six years, mother and daughter were tangled together in hell. From ghettos to slave labour, Auschwitz to Bergen-Belsen, Renee knows that she is only alive today because of her mother. Her memoir is a love letter to her mother, eighty years in the making, and the Research Center at Auschwitz–Birkenau State Museum has described it as ‘part of the legacy so graciously left for the next generation to come’.

Renee met journalist and bestselling author Kate Thompson on Kate’s podcast, From the Library With Love, and chose Kate to help her tell her story.

Renee Salt said: ‘Having a book published at ninety-five feels like a great achievement. Nearly eighty years since my liberation from Bergen-Belsen, a place that you can’t imagine even in your worst nightmares, I am finally telling my story in full. It has been a hard but rewarding experience. I had plenty of sleepless nights reliving it, but it was worth it to leave behind a permanent record of my experience of the Holocaust.’

Kate Thompson said: ‘Helping a Holocaust survivor to write their story comes with huge and heavy responsibility, but being with Renee is like looking into an abyss and finding a glimmer – a beautiful and vulnerable girl who survived against the odds and, eighty years on from her liberation, now needs to tell her story. Travelling to Poland and Germany to retrace Renee's footsteps only intensified my admiration for this remarkable woman.’

Agent Kate Burke said: ‘It’s such a privilege to be working on this project with Renee and Kate. I can’t wait for the fantastic Seven Dials team to bring Renee’s testimony to readers’.

Beth Eynon said: ‘I could not be more proud to be publishing Renee’s memoir here at Seven Dials. Working alongside Kate and Renee on sharing her story has been an honour, and I know readers will be captivated by her life story, and her mother’s courage.’

 About Renee Salt

Renee Salt is a ninety-five-year-old Holocaust survivor. Born Rywka Ruchla Berkowicz in Poland in 1929, she was just 10 years old when World War II brought horror to her doorstep. After surviving Auschwitz-Birkenau, Renee was liberated from Bergen-Belsen in 1945. After moving to Paris, Renee met her husband Charles, a member of the British Army, and part of the the liberating forces at Bergen-Belsen. They married in 1949 and lived in North London, having two children and five grandchildren.

 About Kate Thompson

Kate Thompson is a journalist and bestselling writer. As well as being passionate about capturing lost voices and untold social histories, Kate’s also a library campaigner. Her 100 libraries project celebrates the richness and complexity of librarians work and the vital role of libraries in our communities. Alongside her journalism and writing, Kate is also a podcaster and recently launched her own podcast, From the Library With Love.

 Visit Kate’s website.

Follow Kate on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram.

Paul Finch moves to Orion

Credit Eleanor Finch

Sunday Times Top Ten and ebook number one bestseller Paul Finch will join the Orion list, with the author moving from Avon/HarperCollins. Tom Witcomb struck a three-book deal for World English rights with Emad Akhtar, publishing director at Orion Fiction.

The first novel in the deal will be published in January 2020 and is described as 'a standalone thriller with a killer high concept.' 

Akhtar said: "Paul is a natural-born storyteller and an author who I’ve admired as an editor and enjoyed as a reader. He’s already made an impact on the crime scene and I know he has huge potential to become a future star for the Orion list. It’s the perfect time for him to join and I can’t wait to start working with him." 

Finch said: "Being at Avon has been a fantastic experience. I've enjoyed every minute, and through the constant guidance of the editorial team there, I've been able to develop myself as a fully-fledged crime and thriller writer. That's something I'll never forget. It's completely changed my life. But change is something that keeps happening to all of us. And so moving to Orion, while a new direction, is already looking like an incredibly exciting venture. It'll mean plenty more books coming down the line, more action, more thrills. I can't wait to get going." 

Witcomb said: "I’m thrilled Paul and I have a book or three to share with my old pal Emad, even more so considering the vitality and wisdom he and his team have already shown. Paul is moving to a fantastic new home at Orion, where I know he’ll continue to be well looked after and to grow. Readers old and new should be very excited right about now." 

About The Author

A former cop and journalist, Paul was a writer for British TV crime drama, The Bill.  However, he is probably best known for his work in horror and thrillers. He has also written four Doctor Who audio dramas and his Doctor Who novel, HUNTER'S MOON, was published by Woodland Books in 2011.

Winner of British Fantasy Award 2002 & 2007, and the International Horror Guild Award 2007.

Click to read Paul's blog. 

Follow him on Twitter.

Click to see Paul's film/TV page.

Praise for Paul Finch and his novels:

 ‘Finch is a born storyteller and writes with the authentic voice of the ex-copper he is.’ – Peter James

‘An ingenious and original plot. Compulsive reading.’ – Rachel Abbott

‘A deliciously twisted and fiendish set of murders and a great pairing of detectives.’ – Stav Sherez

‘Avon’s big star…part edge-of-the-seat, part hide-behind-the-sofa! An excellent series.’ – The Bookseller

‘An explosive thriller that will leave you completely hooked on Heck.’ – We Love This Book

‘Edge-of-the-seat reading…Heck is formidable – a British Alex Cross.’ – The Sun

FEEL-GOOD SUMMER ROMANCE MY MAMMA MIA SUMMER ACQUIRED BY ORION

World Rights (All Languages) for MY MAMMA MIA SUMMER by Annie Robertson have been acquired by Harriet Bourton, Publisher at Orion Fiction, in a deal struck by Juliet Pickering.

Orion Fiction will publish in eBook first on 7 June 2018 and as a paperback original and in audio on 12 July 2018 to coincide with the film release of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

A joyous, heart-warming summer read, MY MAMMA MIA SUMMER is perfect for fans of escapist women’s fiction and ABBA alike. When her beloved grandmother, Marnie, passes away, Laurel is left with a small inheritance and a note telling her to follow her dreams. Turning to her favourite film for inspiration, Laurel grabs her passport, dons her best dungarees, and jets off to Skopelos for her own Mamma Mia adventure. Laurel is having the life of her life – could this be where she truly belongs?

Annie’s previous novel, I HEART NORA, about an aspiring screenwriter who pens a sequel to When Harry Met Sally, was published in Germany (Blanvalet), the Netherlands (Singel Uitgeveijen), the Czech Republic (Albatros) and Slovakia (Metafora).

Harriet Bourton, editor said: ‘This is an irresistibly fun, feel-good story that practically packs itself into your suitcase! I was craving a romantic, sweet-natured escapist beach read and in MY MAMMA MIA SUMMER Annie delivers that in spades – as well as being so timely with the film just around the corner. This book has taught me that what can’t be captured in an ABBA pun isn’t worth saying.’

Juliet Pickering, said: ‘This is a gorgeous novel, full of adventure and sunshine, and I can’t think of a better match than Annie and the Orion Fiction team.’

Annie Robertson, author said: ‘I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Harriet and the fabulous team at Orion. I hope MY MAMMA MIA SUMMER will find a place in readers' hearts this summer.’

Annie Robertson trained in London as a classical musician, then worked as an assistant for an Oscar winner, an acclaimed artist, a PR mogul and a Beatle. After several years of running errands for the rich and famous, she went to medical school where, hiding novels in anatomy textbooks, she discovered her true passion for writing. She went on to complete a Creative Writing MA with distinction. Annie now lives back home in Scotland. When not writing she enjoys playing the piano, swimming with her son, visiting antiques markets with her husband, and walking her Basset Hounds.

20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION PAPERBACK OF PETER JAMES’ CLASSIC THE TRUTH PUBLISHED TODAY

Suspense-lovers have much to be excited about as ten of Peter James’ classic backlist titles are republished by Orion including SWEETHEART, FAITH, HOST, TWILIGHT, DREAMER, ALCHEMIST, POSSESSION, DENIAL and PROPHECY. It marks an exciting period for Peter James fans, as the chilling suspense novels are brought to an audio audience for the first time. THE TRUTH, a dark tale of one couple’s desperate measures to avert financial ruin, is the first to be released in a 20th Anniversary Edition paperback today following the audiobook’s December publication. THE TRUTH audiobook, read by Matt Addis, features a new introduction read by Peter himself.

Susan and John Carter are crazy about each other and life is perfect but for one thing - they are on the brink of financial disaster. Surely being a surrogate mother to another man's child won't harm such a strong relationship? Especially when the mysterious Mr Sarotzini is offering to save their home and business - everything they've worked for.

What seems to be a perfect solution begins to feel like an impossible situation. Susan's pregnancy is disturbingly painful but no-one will tell her why. It becomes apparent that Sarotzini wields immense power and Susan begins to doubt everything she knows. As she realises the terrifying origin of the dark forces Saratzini controls she is in fear for herself and John but most of all for her unborn baby...

Peter was awarded an Honorary Platinum Award in January at the Specsavers Bestseller Awards, powered by Nielsen Book, recognising his considerable achievement, selling over five million copies in the UK over ten years. He will enter the Nielsen 21st Century Hall of Fame for bestselling authors. Peter’s outstanding contribution to the crime writing genre was also celebrated in October, when he travelled to Germany to receive the first Rheinbach Glass Dagger Award for Crime Fiction.

Tonight the Theatre Royal in Brighton hosts “An Evening with Peter James”, where Peter will talk about his career, his inspiration and his bestselling novels. On 15 February, he will be discussing his writing career at The Dead Good Evening event at the Sir Robert Woodard Academy in Lancing in aid of Care for Veterans.

Set to be DS Roy Grace’s most difficult case yet, the newest addition to Peter’s thrilling crime series DEAD IF YOU DON’T will be published by Pan Macmillan this May. In October ABSOLUTE PROOF, Peter’s stunning new standalone, will hit UK shelves with rights already sold across the world.

Peter James is an international bestselling thriller writer. He is a New York Times bestseller, as well as achieving multiple Sunday Times No 1s. His work is published in 37 languages. The DS Roy Grace crime novels have sold 19 million copies worldwide. He has won numerous awards, including the coveted 2016 CWA Diamond Dagger for sustained excellence, and he was publicly voted by WH Smith – Britain's biggest book selling chain – The Best Crime Author of All Time.

Visit Peter’s website

Follow Peter on Twitter

Praise for Peter James:

‘Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business’ — Lee Child

‘Peter James is one of the most fiendishly clever crime fiction plotters.’ — The Daily Mail

‘...fast-paced and gripping...’ — Jessica Hamzelou, New Scientist

‘...a blindingly hot read set at the edges of our reality and indicative that Peter James can carve a thriller as tortuous as the DNA Double-Helix – In a word, remarkable.’ — Ali Karim, Shots Mag

‘A superior thriller … agreeably chilling moments and entertaining twists.’ — The Times

Essie Fox’s THE LAST DAYS OF LEDA GREY published in paperback!

Today Orion publish the UK paperback edition of Essie Fox’s enchanting novel THE LAST DAYS OF LEDA GREY which follows the life of a mysterious silent film actress and the turbulent events that left her isolated for over fifty years.

Follow this link for a look at the stunning trailer for the book.

On its initial publication last year it was selected as The Times’ Book of the Month. Antonia Senior described it as ‘luminous … with a sensuousness to the prose … Leda Grey’s world is utterly beguiling.’

During the oppressive heat wave of 1976 a young journalist, Ed Peters, finds an Edwardian photograph in a junk shop in the seaside town of Brightland. It shows an alluring, dark-haired girl, an actress whose name was Leda Grey. Enchanted by the image, Ed learns Leda Grey is still living - now a recluse in a decaying cliff-top house she once shared with a man named Charles Beauvois, a director of early silent film. As Beauvois's muse and lover, Leda often starred in scenes where stage magic and trick photography were used to astonishing effect.

But, while playing a cursed Egyptian queen, the fantasies captured on celluloid were echoed in reality, leaving Leda abandoned and alone for more than half a century - until the secrets of her past result in a shocking climax, more haunting than any to be in found in the silent films of Charles Beauvois.

Essie’s debut novel, THE SOMNAMBULIST, was shortlisted at the National Book Awards for New Writer of the Year, and was also picked up by TV Book Club. It has been published by Castelvechi in Italy and Damm in Sweden. Her other dazzling historical novels have also received glowing reviews. The Independent praised ELIJAH’S MERMAID for being ‘deliciously unsettling’ and John Koski from the Daily Mail You Magazine commended THE GODDESS AND THE THIEF as a ‘brilliantly imagined and wonderfully sustained piece of storytelling’.

Visit Essie Fox's website here

Visit Essie Fox's blog The Virtual Victorian here

You can also follow her on Twitter

Praise for THE LAST DAYS OF LEDA GREY

'...luminous...there is a sensuousness to the prose...Leda Grey's world is utterly beguiling.' -- Antonia Senior, The Times Book of the Month

‘a deliciously eerie affair…a story of obsession, jealousy, mysterious deaths and theatrically supernatural goings on as very strange truths are tantalisingly revealed’ – The Sunday Express

'Fans of Daphne du Maurier will love this haunting, atmospheric novel about a silent film actress: I was hooked from Page 1!' - Jane Harris, author of THE OBSERVATIONS and SUGAR MONEY

‘Essie Fox writes with passion and authority…bring[ing] to life some of the film stories of yesteryear, giving the reader a tantalising glimpse into the intriguing world of cinema history. Evocative and haunting, this story is beautifully told, it is multi-layered and hugely engaging. The characters are rich, mysterious and surprising and the setting is fabulous…The author has created a stifling atmosphere…so inventive, so surprising and quite enchanting.’ -- Random Things Through My Letter Box

‘Dark, haunting, compelling…equal to Daphne du Maurier’s novels. This book held me in its grip. Loved it.’ -- Liz Fenwick

‘Spent a sunny day hunched tensely over THE LAST DAYS OF LEDA GREY...Macabre, transporting, thick with atmosphere and allusion.’ -- Morgan McCarthy

‘I loved THE LAST DAYS OF LEDA GREY, I was haunted by it … a memorable and spooky read.’ – Barbara Erskine