Announcing: The Rush

I’m very excited to share the news of my debut thriller, The Rush. Please see the official media release from the wonderful Simon & Schuster Australia below:

MEDIA RELEASE

SIMON & SCHUSTER AUSTRALIA TO PUBLISH AN EXCITING NEW VOICE IN AUSTRALIAN CRIME FICTION

Simon & Schuster Australia is thrilled to announce the publication of The Rush – a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller from Michelle Prak, an exciting new voice in Australian fiction. ANZ rights to the novel have been acquired by Simon & Schuster Australia’s commercial fiction publisher, Cassandra Di Bello, from agent Melanie Ostell.

After Quinn discovers a body lying in the middle of a deserted rural road, this propulsive novel unfolds through the alternating perspectives of a cast of compelling characters while readers piece together the mystery behind Quinn’s macabre discovery. Set around The Pindarry – the iconic and isolated pub where Quinn works – an imminent deluge and lack of phone reception conspire against her attempts to seek assistance. Meanwhile, Quinn’s employer Andrea is back at the pub, sandbagging the place in preparation for the heavy rains while her husband is out helping a neighbour. Alone with her sleeping son in the back room, Andrea reluctantly lets a lone biker in to wait out the rain. Out on the roads, tensions stir among four backpackers on a trip from Adelaide to Darwin as they edge closer to The Pindarry – they haven’t prepared for this kind of weather, but the flood isn’t the only threat on the horizon…

Author Michelle Prak said: ‘I had a lot of fun writing The Rush and hope readers experience the same thrill when they encounter the story. I’m overjoyed it’s found a home at Simon & Schuster. From the very beginning, Cass Di Bello and the team showed amazing passion and enthusiasm for the book. They really “get” The Rush, its themes, and its potential to excite an audience. I’m also incredibly grateful to my agent, Melanie Ostell, who worked closely with me to ensure the story shines.’

Publisher Cass Di Bello commented: ‘From the moment I started reading The Rush, I just knew I had to publish it. This is Aussie noir at its best and what sets it apart is how it flips the typical remote Australian setting on its head, creating a much more sinister atmosphere than we’ve seen before. Every page is fraught with tension and looming floods serve to build that tension to the novel’s terrifying climax, which is shocking – and sadly, incredibly relevant. We have ambitious plans to launch Michelle Prak on the list and can’t wait to share the book with scores of readers next May.’

Simon and Schuster holds the ANZ right to this title, planned for publication in May 2023.

Please sign up to my enewsletter to keep updated with news on The Rush!