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Usborne is releasing Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé in the UK in spring 2023, as well as a special edition of her acclaimed debut Ace of Spades this summer.
Described as “’Mean Girls’ with murder” and perfect for fans of Netflix’s “Blood and Water”, it is the follow-up to Ace of Spades, the 2021 YA debut that has sold more than 100,000 copies in the English language, according to the publisher. Where Sleeping Girls Lie was acquired at the same time as Ace of Spades.
The new book follows the story of Sade, a Nigerian-British student. When her roommate disappears mysteriously, she begins to dig deeper into Elizabeth’s life and where she might have gone, finding the school is steeped in secrets that rival even her own.
Editor Becky Walker said: “We couldn’t be prouder of everything Faridah has achieved with the game-changing Ace of Spades, and are so thrilled to be publishing Faridah’s second book next year. Faridah is one of the most extraordinary and exciting voices writing today, and this second title – an impossibly compelling mystery dripping in secrets with a dark heart – will cement Faridah’s place at the very forefront of YA, and as the voice of a generation.”
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Ace of Spades, Usborne is publishing a summer special edition on 9th June 2022 with new exclusive cover artwork by award-winning Kingsley Nebechi and an exclusive extra chapter set during Pride month.
In marking the success of her debut through this special edition, the author wanted to address questions that she received from fans. She said: “One of the most-asked questions is what happens to Andre in the end. Readers are particularly upset about this being left unanswered and so I thought this new chapter could give a nod to what happens. Setting it during Pride month seemed fitting because the one-year anniversary of Ace of Spades falls during Pride. With so many readers connecting to this story and resonating with these characters, hearing from them has been the best part of this experience."
The edition will also feature a new author’s letter reflecting on her writing and the reaction to Ace of Spades, as well as a Pride playlist from character Terrell.