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Trapeze has acquired The Close plus one other novel from Isabel Ashdown. Publishing director Sam Eades acquired world rights from Kate Shaw at The Shaw Agency.
Trapeze previously published Ashdown's Beautiful Liars and Lake Child, with her latest novel 33 Women published today (26th November).
The Close is billed as an "intensely dark and suspenseful" novel exploring the hidden lives of the residents of Golden Close, a gated community built on the site of a former asylum. When lawyer Bill is found murdered, his wife, property developer Katrin, is determined to uncover the killer. But as the stories of the residents unfold, it will become clear that there are many different truths to find, and secrets hidden behind every closed door.
Eades said: "I’ve always loved Isabel’s writing but she has really upped her game with The Close, and we will match her ambition with an exciting new publication strategy launching in audio first ahead of our e-book and print publications. The Close is incredibly dark whilst shedding a light on the tensions and disputes within closed communities, and has that addictive, compulsive quality of the best TV boxsets like 'The Nest' or 'Doctor Foster'. I fell in love with the manuscript and know it will have readers discussing the issues raised long after the final page."
Ashdown commented: "What a tough year 2020 has been. Of course, we’ve all faced certain challenges—but recently, more than ever before, we’ve been rightly urged to confront some of the stark inequalities that exist around us. When Sam Eades, Kate Shaw and I first started talking about The Close, the buzz around this story—a dark thriller exploring social advantage, identity and the privilege of choice—was embraced by the wider (and wonderful) Trapeze/Orion team, and I was thrilled to learn of their innovative new audio-first strategy for its release. I know I am in safe hands with the inimitable Sam Eades, and I am over the moon to be continuing with the Trapeze family for The Close and beyond."
The Close will be published in audio in summer 2021, with print and e-book editions to follow.