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HarperCollins has signed a trilogy of children's books, The Poison Diaries, inspired by the real-life Poison Garden in the grounds of Alnwick Castle in the north east, which also doubles as Hogwarts in the "Harry Potter" films.
The novels are written by Maryrose Wood, based on a concept by the Duchess of Northumberland, who is mistress of Alnwick Castle.
The global three-book deal was negotiated by Alessandra Balzer and Donna Bray, co-publishers of the Balzer + Bray imprint at HarperCollins Children's US, and Mario Santos, HarperCollins Children's UK m.d., with Zoë Watkins at FourteenFiftyFour Ltd. The first book is scheduled for global publication in summer 2010.
Blazer said: "This trilogy stands apart from other supernatural teen novels because of its original
premise, as well as the very real and rich world of The Poison Garden that inspired it."
Bray added, "The novels explore the tension between the plants' power to cure or kill within the context of a love story. It's a fascinating paradox that will be incredibly appealing to teens."