Wildfire snaps up debut thriller from Charlotte Essex in two-book deal
Wildfire has acquired debut All She Burns and one other book by Charlotte Essex. Rachel Hart, editorial director at Wildfire, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Ed Wood at the Blair Partnership. The book will be published on 11th March 2027.
The publisher described the book as “the first in a scorching new crime series about the UK’s best fire investigator, Dr Catherine ‘Red’ Jenkins – who is also a serial arsonist. When a body is found in the ruins of a fire she started, Red must confront her past to solve the case before her secret is exposed”.
The synopsis reads: “Dr Catherine Jenkins, known as Red, is the UK’s best fire investigator. Called out to crack the origins of deadly blazes, she understands fire like no one else. Because Red is also a serial arsonist. It’s a powerful addiction born from painful memories, but she can keep her impulses in check – most of the time. But after trauma bursts from the haze of Red’s past, she burns down an empty derelict house just to keep breathing. The next day, she is called to the scene by the police, led by the indomitable DS Lina Karim. Red’s tasked with establishing the origins of the blaze. Simple, routine work. Except this time is different: a body has been found. Who is the victim? Did Red cause the death? Or does somebody know more about her than they should? As Red and Lina get closer, more than one game of cat and mouse is being played, but one thing is for sure: someone is going to get burned.”
Essex said: “I have always dreamed of writing a novel and I am thrilled beyond belief that the brilliant team at Wildfire have taken it on. I have been so lucky to work with the razor-sharp instincts of the legend that is Rachel Hart which has been pure joy. At the heart of the story is Red, a flawed force of nature who has been huge fun to write and I can’t wait to unleash her to the world in All She Burns.”
Hart said: “All She Burns has all the twists and tropes of a great police procedural, but it offers a totally unique and fresh take on crime drama with Red, our unique, police-adjacent protagonist. Seeing her explore burnt-out buildings, talking the reader through the mechanics and forensics of a fire investigation is a unique, thrilling and morbidly fascinating experience. Charlotte is such a talented writer, and I couldn’t be more excited to launch her career as an author in 2027.”
Wood said: “It’s so rare to find a killer pitch matched with amazing commercial talent, yet here Charlotte has both. Rachel and Wildfire are the perfect home for All She Burns – and not just because of the spectacular nominative determinism. Wildfire’s vision has been spot on. I can’t wait to see this book scorch its way onto bookshelves.’
