Best-selling author James Patterson is set to finish the late Michael Crichton’s unfinished book about a mega-eruption of Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano.
Buy the Book
Wild Massive
According to Deadline, the eruption in the story will not only threaten Hawaii, but the entire world. The final version, with Patterson and Crichton—who passed away in 2008—listed as co-authors, will come out in 2024 in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. Hachette Book Group’s Little, Brown and Company acquired world and translation rights, except for the U.K.
“I’ve read Michael Crichton’s thrillers avidly for decades and have always thought of him as one of the world’s best storytellers,” Patterson said in a statement to Deadline. “I’m honored that Sherri Crichton has entrusted this extraordinary story to me and that I will have the opportunity to bring Crichton’s brilliant ideas to life. I’m particularly excited to be working on this wonderfully prescient novel about Mauna Loa in light of current events. It’s as if Crichton could see into the future, and I’m eager to bring that vision to his readers and to mine.”
“Not only is James Patterson the most successful author in the world working today, but like Michael he is also a truly gifted storyteller whose books have formed a special connection with millions of readers around the world,” said Sherri Crichton, the author’s wife and CEO of CrichtonSun. “I know that Michael would be very proud to have Jim complete the book he was writing at the time of his passing. I am honored to be joining hands with Jim on this incredible adventure.”
No news yet on what the title will be, but it’s a good bet the word “eruption” or “volcano” will be part of it.
