Del Rey scoops Jackson P Brown's 'stand-out' urban fantasy debut

Del Rey has scooped Jackson P Brown’s "thrilling" debut novel, The Reaper. 

Publishing director Sam Bradbury acquired world English rights in a three-book deal from Molly Jamieson at United Agents for publication on 10th July 2025. Jamieson called it a "visceral and stunning debut". 

Brown was one of 14 finalists invited to join Penguin’s 2020 WriteNow editorial programme.

The cohort were chosen for "the exceptional quality of their writing and pitches". Brown’s The Reaper follows Amy, an empath who is able to sense the auras of the supernatural. One day she comes across a "dark and enticing aura" that leads her to Gerald, a reaper. Amy is then thrown into an underworld beneath the streets of London, "filled with magic and the uncanny". Together, Amy and Gerald set out to solve the mystery of a young girl who disappeared after murdering her parents. 

Bradbury commented: "We’re so excited to be publishing The Reaper on our list this summer – Brown’s debut is a stand-out in the urban fantasy genre. It’s energetic, exciting and full of intrigue that grabs you from the very first page. It’s a brilliant addition to the Del Rey list and we can’t wait for people to get their hands on this one!"

Brown added: "I am blown away by team Del Rey’s enthusiasm for The Reaper and know the series is in safe hands. This is more than a fantasy story for me, but a tale of how to heal from loss and loneliness, and it means the world that Amy and Gerald’s journey has been so thoroughly understood."