There has been a big competition for the rights to turn S.A. Cosby’s upcoming book King of Ashes into a TV show. Now, we know who won the bidding.
Netflix, Steven Spielberg’s company Amblin Entertainment, and the Obamas’ company Higher Ground were the winning bidders. They beat out at least 11 other offers, sources told Variety. Amblin and Higher Ground will work together to develop the book, which is a family crime drama, into a TV series, with Netflix supporting the project.
Spielberg personally got involved recently to help close the deal, according to sources. The companies involved have not yet commented.
Cosby’s literary agent, Lucy Stille, helped with the sale through her agency, HG Literary. Cosby has become very popular in recent years for his Southern crime novels. His previous books include My Darkest Prayer, Blacktop Wasteland, Razorblade Tears, and All the Sinners Bleed. All the Sinners Bleed is already being turned into a TV series by Amblin and Higher Ground.
King of Ashes won’t be released until next summer. The book will be published by Flatiron Books under the new Pine & Cedar imprint. This is the first book in a three-book deal that Cosby signed with Flatiron.