Sandycove is to publish Irish Times political correspondent Jennifer Bray’s debut novel after acquiring the rights in a three-way auction from her literary agent, Florence Rees of AM Heath.
“Readers who know Jennifer’s fluent savvy political reporting will not be surprised to see the same combination of acuity and lightness of touch in her fiction,” Patricia Deevy, deputy publisher of Penguin’s Irish imprint, said. “Her novel is that precious thing – a one-sitting read – because you simply cannot stop turning the pages.
“Jennifer’s novel is wonderful – atmospheric, pacey, tense and plotty, an evocative story about family, the fallout of love going sour in times past and it returning to haunt the present.”
A publication date has still to be confirmed for the as yet untitled novel, which features three sisters: disgraced former garda Lucy, novelist Susannah and estranged middle sister Tara. When Susannah disappears and the body of a woman whose name features in the novelist’s latest manuscript is found, Lucy is forced to reprise her old role to uncover the truth, along with several childhood family secrets.
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“I’m thrilled that my book has found a home with Penguin Sandycove and with editor Patricia Deevy,” Bray said. “It is a dream come true. I hope readers fall in love with the magic and beauty of Dunmore East the way I did, as this stunning coastal town not only inspired the story, but is where I wrote most of it.”
Bray has worked as a journalist for 16 years, having previously reported for the Times, the Sunday Times, the Sunday Tribune and the Irish Daily Mail.
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