EGOT winner Viola Davis and bestselling author James Patterson have joined forces to co-write a new novel, set to be published by Little, Brown and Company in 2025 or 2026.
The novel, which remains untitled, is set in the contemporary rural South and centers on Judge Mary Stone, a formidable and intelligent woman facing a decision that could have monumental repercussions for her small county and potentially the entire nation. The narrative explores the judge’s struggle with the moral and ethical implications of her choice, as she navigates the dangerous waters that put her career and life on the line.
This will be Davis’s first foray into adult fiction. She previously penned the bestselling memoir “Finding Me” and the children’s book “Corduroy Takes a Bow.” Patterson, who recently topped bestseller lists with “Eruption,” a novel he completed from notes left by the late Michael Crichton, is known for his collaborations with notable figures such as Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton.
In a statement, Davis expressed her excitement about the partnership: “I am beyond thrilled to collaborate with the legendary James Patterson on our novel. James’s ability to craft narratives with depth and suspense is unmatched, and working on the character of Judge Mary Stone has been an extraordinary experience. I believe readers will be deeply moved by her journey. This collaboration is a dream come true.”
Patterson reciprocated the admiration, stating, “It is an honor to work with Viola Davis. I’ve long admired her as an actress, producer, and writer. Her memoir ‘Finding Me’ was one of the most insightful and uplifting books I’ve ever read. Her storytelling gift and generous spirit make her the perfect partner for this novel. The subjects we explore in this book are timely and important, and I could not have asked for a better collaborator.”
The novel will be published as a lead title by Little, Brown and Company, with distribution handled by Hachette Book Group in North America and Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House UK, in the UK and Commonwealth. The collaboration was brokered by Robert Barnett and Deneen Howell of Williams & Connolly, and JVL Media, a media packaging firm and independent publisher co-founded by Davis.
Little, Brown Publisher Sally Kim praised the unique collaboration: “At the heart of any unforgettable narrative is a story you haven’t heard before, with characters you root for and ideas that challenge you and leave you forever changed. James Patterson and Viola Davis are two artists at the height of their game who consistently deliver this with their work. This novel is a thrilling gift for everyone who values a powerful story.”