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Polygon, an imprint of Birlinn Limited, has signed Philip Miller's The Goldenacre, an "enthralling" literary thriller set in the world of fine art.
World all-language rights, including e-book, were acquired from Robbie Guillory at the Kate Nash Literary Agency. Publication is slated for June 2022.
The synopsis reads: "‘The Goldenacre’, a masterpiece by the painter and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, has been given to the people of Scotland. The beautiful canvas, the last work by the artistic genius, enthrals the art world, but behind it lies a dark and violent mystery. Thomas Tallis, an art expert with a troubled past, is trying to uncover the truth about the painting's complex history, while dogged newspaper reporter Shona Sandison is investigating a series of shocking murders in Edinburgh. Both investigators soon become engulfed in the machinations of money, crime and identity in a work that reveals unseen forces at work in modern Scotland."
Alison Rae, commissioning editor, commented: "I was intrigued by this literary thriller from the off. Mystery, tragedy, sharp humour, an Edinburgh full of shadows and intrigue, a fascinating take on the provenance of art, and a star reporter at its heart whose working life is perfectly observed, thanks to the author's own experience. We're absolutely delighted to have Phil on our list."
Miller is the author of two previous novels, 2015's The Blue Horse and 2017's All the Galaxies (both Freight Books), and is also a published poet. He was an award-winning journalist for 20 years and is now a civil servant.
He said: "I am delighted that Polygon is to bring the story of The Goldenacre, a tale about secrets and searching, wealth and loss, art and murder, to the world. Since I finished the first draft of the book in 2020, Polygon has been an enthusiastic and supportive publisher and I am thrilled it will release it next year."