Polygon is thrilled to announce the signing of The Goldenacre, a new novel by Philip Miller. An enthralling literary thriller set in the world of fine art, the novel plunges readers into a heady mix of wealth, scandal and murder.

‘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 dogged 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 novel that reveals unseen forces at work in modern Scotland.

‘A riveting, brutal journey into the high stakes world of legacy art and inherited wealth’

Denise Mina

Alison Rae, commissioning editor at Polygon, says –

I was intrigued by this literary thriller from the off. Mystery, tragedy, sharp humour, an Edinburgh full of shadows and intrigue, a fascinating take on the provenance of art, and a star reporter at its heart whose working life is perfectly observed, thanks to the author’s own experience. We’re absolutely delighted to have Phil on our list.

Edinburgh based, Philip Miller is the author of two previous novels, The Blue Horse and All the Galaxies (Freight), and is also a published poet. An award-winning journalist for twenty years, he is now a civil servant. Miller says –

I am delighted that Polygon are to bring the story of The Goldenacre, a tale about secrets and searching, wealth and loss, art and murder, to the world. Since I finished the first draft of the book in 2020, Polygon have been enthusiastic and supportive publishers and I am thrilled they will release it next year.

Polygon has purchased World All Language rights for volume and e-book from Robbie Guillory at the Kate Nash Literary Agency and will publish in paperback in June 2022. Guillory says –

I’m absolutely delighted that The Goldenacre has found a home at Polygon. Philip has taken a literary thriller and given it a unique twist, full of his knowledge of the art world and experience as a journalist. It grabbed me from the first page; an authentic voice with a dark touch of humour that pulled me along, and readers are sure to fall for the tenacious reporter Shona Sandison.