Wide interest in wartime witchcraft storyIsabel Davies said: ‘I am so thrilled to be working with the HarperFiction team and the St Martin’s Press team on this novel. The fascinating story of a World War II witchcraft trial grabbed me as soon as I heard about it and refused to let go, and I cannot wait to share it with the world.’
Ariella Feiner said: ‘The idea that the last witchcraft trial in this country was as recent as World War II is quite jaw-dropping and such wonderfully fertile ground for a novel. In The Miracles, Isabel has run with that initial kernel of an idea and created the most beautiful book club novel, which I think readers will devour.’
Charlotte Brabbin said: ‘The Miracles is one of those special novels that come across your desk so rarely. The premise of the last witchcraft trial provides a remarkable hook, whilst the sweeping canvas of the novel makes it linger well past the final page. I found myself fascinated and completely moved by this tale of intertwining lives
across a key moment in history, with all it captures about life, loss and the magic in between. It’s an unforgettable book and Isabel is a brilliant talent, who we’re so thrilled to welcome to HarperFiction.’
The Second World War continues to yield fascinating stories. HarperFiction has just acquired The Miracles by Isabel Davies, a novel based on the last trial for witchcraft in the UK which took place during the Second World War. It will publish in May 2027.
HarperFiction Publishing Director Charlotte Brabbin acquired UK & Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Ariella Feiner at United Agents and North American rights were acquired by Sarah Cantin at St. Martin’s Press in an exclusive submission. Rights have also sold in France, Italy and Spain to date.
The publisher says: ‘Set against the backdrop of World War II and inspired by real-life events, The Miracles is a dazzling novel about ordinary women and their extraordinary powers. It follows junior reporter Iris Remington charged with investigating Helen Duncan, a woman with remarkable gifts who’s rumoured to summon the ghosts of dead sailors at séances across the country. But in a city learning to count its dead, a woman who knows more than she should attracts attention. And when Helen is arrested under a shocking charge – the first of its kind in centuries – the two women find themselves at the centre of a trial that could change history. Because in the darkest days of war, the most dangerous thing of all might be a miracle.’
Isabel Davies said: “I am so thrilled to be working with the HarperFiction team and the St Martin’s Press team on this novel. The fascinating story of a World War II witchcraft trial grabbed me as soon as I heard about it and refused to let go, and I cannot wait to share it with the world.”
Charlotte Brabbin said: “The Miracles is one of those special novels that come across your desk so rarely. The premise of the last witchcraft trial provides a remarkable hook, whilst the sweeping canvas of the novel makes it linger well past the final page. I found myself fascinated and completely moved by this tale of intertwining lives across a key moment in history, with all it captures about life, loss and the magic in between. It’s an unforgettable book and Isabel is a brilliant talent, who we’re so thrilled to welcome to HarperFiction.”
