Fox & Ink Books scoops AM Howell’s debut adult fiction
Fox & Ink Books has acquired Stolen Things, the debut adult novel by AM Howell, an award-winning author of middle-grade historical mysteries such as The Mysteries at Sea series (Usborne).
Publisher Hazel Holmes bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Clare Wallace at Darley Anderson Agency & Associates, for publication in November 2026.
The novel is described as a “claustrophobic, dark and moving portrait of a woman who must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her child and her home”, for fans of Stacey Halls, Lizzie Pook and Laura Purcell.
The blurb reads: “December 1919. War widow Della Pemberton consoles herself through a life of petty theft and her beloved tonic for female disorders. But when a stranger arrives at her home claiming it belongs to him, her world is upended when she discovers the man’s left behind a small baby.
“The arrival of the child thrusts Della into a frightening new reality after a series of unexplained events; the delivery of baby gifts, an infant’s bone found in the attic and peculiar noises within the walls of the house at night. When she receives a note predicting she’ll commit murder, Della realises someone is out to do her harm. But with her own health worsening and a small baby to care for, she discovers that fighting for the truth and her life will come at the highest of prices.”
Howell said: “My wonderful agent Clare Wallace has deftly guided my move into adult fiction, and I couldn’t be more delighted that she found a home for my debut with Fox & Ink Books. Hazel’s belief in this story shone through from the start, and I’m so grateful for her and the team’s editorial enthusiasm and insight.”
Holmes added: “Ann-Marie has long been a powerhouse in the children’s market, but this debut marks a thrilling evolution in her career. It is a haunting, exquisitely paced piece of suspense that proves her mastery of atmosphere and character is truly boundless.”
