Death in Paradise indie, Red Planet Pictures, has optioned It’s Not What You Think, the latest thriller from Clare Mackintosh, former police officer and award-winning author of seven Sunday Times bestselling novels, in advance of the book’s publication in March.
Mackintosh’s novels have now sold over three million copies worldwide and spent a combined total of 64 weeks in the Sunday Times bestseller lists.
Kam Odedra is formally attached to adapt the series, having previously written on Hijack, Lupin and most recently the penultimate episode of Critic’s Choice winning and Golden Globe nominated smash hit All Her Fault.
The novel is helmed by two wildly different protagonists – Nadeeka Prasanna and Detective Chief Inspector Lauren Caldwell – who are forced together after Nadeeka’s life is turned upside down upon finding her new partner, Jamie, murdered and her home a crime scene. Embarking on parallel investigations, the two women are taken down dark, sinister and diverging paths in a race against time. Everyone has a secret, but only one person knows the truth… and none of what emerges is what you think.
Fremantle-owned Red Planet Pictures secured the rights in a highly competitive auction, with multiple offers for the option from buyers worldwide. It’s Not What You Think is the first novel of Mackintosh’s to be published with HarperFiction since joining them last year.
The deal rights were handled by Alex Jones for Red Planet Pictures. Clare Mackintosh is represented by Camilla Young and Sheila Crowley at Curtis Brown.
This year also sees two Red Planet drama commissions go into production for ITV: the adaptation of Broadchurch creator, Chris Chibnall’s debut novel, Death at the White Hart (a co-production with Chibnall’s Imaginary Friends) and a new thriller, also for ITV, which will be announced soon.
Clare Mackintosh said: “It’s Not What You Think is my most ambitious thriller yet. Red Planet Pictures’ vision and drive makes them the perfect partner, and I couldn’t be more honoured to have Kam Odedra on board.”
Belinda Campbell, Co-CEO of Red Planet Pictures said: “Clare is a best-selling author for a reason – taking readers on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns and pulling the rug from you when you least expect it; and It’s Not What You Think is no exception. We’re thrilled Clare has entrusted us with the TV adaptation and excited by Kam’s singular and compelling plans for the series. A hugely accomplished and characterful thriller writer, Kam is perfectly placed to bring this prescient story to life on screen. We can’t wait to get started.”
Clare Mackintosh picture credit Toby Madden
Jon Creamer
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