Broadchurch: The Novel
Little, Brown Book Group has bought World rights to a novel inspired by the
first series of 2013’s mega-hit ITV series Broadchurch.
Jade Chandler, Commissioning Editor for Sphere Fiction, has acquired World rights from Cathy King at Independent Talent, representing award-winning Broadchurch screenwriter Chris Chibnall. The project is endorsed fully by the production company, Kudos, a member of the Shine Group.
The novel will be co-written by Chris Chibnall and critically acclaimed psychological thriller author Erin Kelly, represented by Sarah Ballard/Zoe Ross at United Agents. As well as including previously unseen material, the novel will elaborate on the existing plot, delving deeper into the lives and backstories of the existing characters. The novel will be published in August 2014.
Chris Chibnall said, ‘The day after Broadchurch finished, a woman stopped me on West Bay beach and asked me “When’s the book coming out?”. Now I have an answer! Even better, we have one of Britain’s best psychological thriller authors at the helm. I’ve loved Erin’s work for a long time now: her writing is beautiful, emotive and suffused with tension. From the moment I first read her gorgeous insights into a world and characters I thought I knew well, I was hooked and desperate to read more.’
Erin Kelly said, ‘Like everyone else I know, I was gripped and moved by Broadchurch. I’m utterly thrilled to be writing the novel, not least because it gave me an excuse to watch the whole series again, multiple times. It’s testament to the writing, the performances and the photography that I was spellbound even when I knew the outcome. I can’t wait to delve even deeper into the hearts and thoughts of the characters and to bring the town to life on the page.’
Jade Chandler added, ‘As well as being a smash-hit when it comes to TV ratings, Broadchurch became a national talking point and has been in the headlines ever since. I am a huge fan of both the TV series, and of Erin’s beautifully crafted novels, so I’m delighted that we have the opportunity to translate this wonderful drama to the page.’
Broadchurch starred David Tennant and Olivia Colman and was a runaway success for Kudos and ITV in spring of this year, with viewing figures of 9 million and a second series commissioned before the first had finished airing. The drama, set in a small Dorset town, had a captivating whodunit appeal and took an emotionally charged look at how the death of a young boy affected each of the town’s residents. It became a major media talking point and has won praise and awards for its unforgettable combination of stylish writing, cinematography and its brilliant cast. On 24/10/13 the show was awarded four TV Daggers at the Specsavers Crime Thriller Awards. The series has been sold to 100 territories worldwide, including the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands and China.
US rights have been sold to Minotaur at St Martin’s Press. Editorial Director Kelley Ragland said, ‘Minotaur Books is thrilled to be publishing Erin Kelly and Chris Chibnall’s Broadchurch novel; to be able to take part in bringing one of the most talked about, superior-quality TV crime dramas to a wider audience in the U.S. is very exciting. We believe that what makes this character-driven, intense mystery such a joy to watch will translate beautifully to a reading experience, and we’re pleased to be working with such talented writers as Chris and Erin.’
Please contact Kirsteen Astor, Senior Publicity Manager for further information at Kirsteen.Astor@littlebrown.co.uk or by telephone on 020 7911 8059.
#BroadchurchNovel
Inspired by the BAFTA award-winning ITV series
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'Loved the ITV series? Then you'll adore this clever read from psychological-thriller queen' Sun (Fabulous Magazine)
'A crackingly well constructed crime novel' Daily Mirror
'Whether you've seen the series or not, this is definitely worth your time' Bella
Featuring never-before-seen material and plunging you into the mindset of the characters, this is a must-read if you love Broadchurch, or if you love devilishly good crime
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It's a hot July morning in the Dorset town of Broadchurch when Beth Latimer realises that her eleven-year-old son, Danny, is missing. As Beth searches desperately for her boy, her best friend, local police officer DS Ellie Miller, arrives at work to find that the promotion she was promised has been given to disreputable Scottish outsider DI Alec Hardy.
When Danny's body is found on the beach Ellie must put her feelings aside as she works with DI Hardy to solve the mystery of Danny's death. As the case becomes a murder investigation the news hits the national press, jolting sleepy Broadchurch into the national spotlight.
As the town's secrets begin to unravel, members of this tight-knit community begin to consider those in their midst. Right now it's impossible to know who to trust...
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'Erin Kelly is one of the finest stylists in British crime fiction' Sunday Mirror
