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Electric Monkey snaps up 'devilishly addictive' new adult novel from Kate Weston in two-book deal
Electric Monkey has snapped up Coterie of Liars, a new adult novel from Kate Weston.
Editorial director Liz Sellen-Bankes acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in a two-book deal from Chloe Seager of Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency.
"There is no genre that Kate Weston cannot make funny," said Seager. "Readers, prepare yourselves for dark academia that will make you cackle."
Billed as One of Us Is Lying meets The Inheritance Games "with the vibes of Saltburn", Weston’s foray into the new adult space follows Queen Bee Evie and her friends who call themselves "the coterie". When the group celebrates its graduation from an elite private school, a series of accidents begin to befall each member of the group as the night unfolds. "They need to find out who is responsible and fast, if any of them are going to make it to the end of summer alive – but the final cruel twist will make everyone stop dead."
Sellen-Bankes commented: "‘We are so excited to be publishing Kate into the crossover/new adult space, where we know readers eager to explore darker themes will devour this devishly addictive thriller, with Kate’s pitch-perfect dark comedy voice making it truly stand apart in the market."
Weston added: "I’m so thrilled to be working with Liz and everyone at Electric Monkey again. Coterie of Liars is inspired by my love of The Fall of the House of Usher, a book I studied at university while playing music based on it. It’s both the darkest book I’ve ever written and the most fun I’ve ever had."
Coterie of Liars will be published in June 2026.
