Press Release
Hodder & Stoughton acquires a new series for all the family by John Grisham25/02/2010
Hodder & Stoughton is delighted to announce an exciting new venture with Number One worldwide bestselling author John Grisham: two novels introducing Theodore Boone, John Grisham’s first series character. In launching the series Hodder will build a following for Theodore Boone that extends beyond the core Grisham fan-base to children from the ages of 9–12, harnessing the enthusiasm of Grisham’s millions of existing audience to spread the word and creating a springboard to expand the readership of all his novels.
Theo Boone is the ultimate Grisham unlikely hero, a thirteen-year-old boy who knows more about the law than most lawyers who, in the first novel of the series, finds himself unwillingly caught up in his town’s first murder trial.
Publication of the first novel in the Theodore Boone series on 10th June will be a major international event in the media, in bookshops and in online communities.
The second book in the series will follow in 2011.
Hodder & Stoughton acquired two novels from agent David Gernert. John Grisham’s longtime editor, Associate Publisher Oliver Johnson said, ‘I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with John on this terrific new project. Theodore Boone is vintage Grisham: great legal drama, a loveable hero who brought a smile to my face and a really satisfying ending, all delivered at breakneck, page-turning speed. It's going to appeal to young and old alike.’
Tim Hely Hutchinson, CEO of Hachette UK, commented, ‘It is thrilling to see John Grisham at the beginning of a new venture and Theo is a delightful example of his range and capabilities. We have exciting plans to introduce Theodore Boone to the widest possible audience.’