TWO RIVERS OPTIONS EDINBURGH THRILLER SET IN THE WORLD OF FINE ART

Leading Nations indie Two Rivers Media, has acquired the film and TV rights to The Goldenacre, a literary thriller by Philip Miller, prior to its publication in June 2022 by Polygon, an imprint of Birlinn Limited. 

 Set in Edinburgh, The Goldenacre blends intrigue, tragedy and humour in a thrilling story about the provenance of art. The Goldenacre - a masterpiece by the painter and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, has been given to the people of Scotland. The beautiful canvas, the last work by the artistic genius, enthrals the art world, but behind it lies a dark and violent mystery. Thomas Tallis, an art expert with a troubled past, is trying to uncover the truth about the painting's complex history, while tenacious newspaper reporter Shona Sandison is investigating a series of shocking murders in Edinburgh. Both investigators soon become engulfed in the machinations of money, crime and identity in a work that reveals unseen forces at work in modern Scotland.

 Marcus Wilson, Head of Drama at Two Rivers Media, says: “Set in the dark underbelly of Edinburgh’s fine art scene, Philip’s novel has a plot which is gripping and pacy with crackles of wit and humour, throughout.  It’s an obvious proposition for a transfer to television. The book is a love letter to Edinburgh and lifts the veil on parts of the city rarely seen - we can’t wait to help bring Philip’s work to life on screen.”

The Goldenacre is Philip Miller’s third novel. His previous book, All The Galaxies, was published in 2017 by Allen and Unwin and his first novel, The Blue Horse, came out in 2015 under publishing house Freight. Miller, also a widely-published poet, was a journalist for more than 20 years, including being Arts Correspondent for The Herald, The Sunday Times in Scotland, and The Scotsman, and twice being named Arts Writer of the Year at the Scottish Press Awards.

 Philip Miller adds: “I felt assured from my first meeting with the team at Two Rivers that the novel is in good hands: their vision for taking the novel from the page to the screen is an exciting one, and they really understood the characters, the language, the tone and the setting of The Goldenacre. It is a daunting but thrilling prospect to imagine the adventures of Shona Sandison and Thomas Tallis being brought to the screen, and a whole new audience  by this very talented, experienced team.”

 This is Two Rivers’ second book option following the acquisition of the film and TV rights to Tanya Byrne’s Afterlove. Tanya Byrne’s fourth novel for a young adult audience, it follows 16-year-old Ash Persaud who falls head over heels in love with Poppy Morgan, in a gripping tale of first love with a supernatural twist.

 The rights to The Goldenacre were bought by Two Rivers Media from Robbie Guillory at Underline Literary Agency.