The new book by Viola Davis and James Patterson will be published soon

Patterson has a little more experience with the genre. He is the author of more than 200 books, 100 of which New York Times Bestseller. His best known works include the Women’s Murder Club, Michael Bennett and of course the Alex Cross series, which was adapted into three feature films starring Morgan Freeman and later Tyler Perry as the titular detective. Aldis Hodge will take on the cult character in an upcoming Amazon Prime Video series.

“James’ ability to weave compelling stories with depth and suspense is unparalleled,” says Davis. That ability will no doubt serve him well in his latest work, which tells the story of a judge named Mary Stone who is about to make a decision that will inevitably shake up her small Southern district — and perhaps the entire country.

“There has rarely been a more important time to focus on the themes of this novel,” says Patterson. “I couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Viola.” Like Oprah, Patterson was overwhelmed by Find me and says that Davis’ “gift of storytelling in film and beyond, as well as her generous soul, are unparalleled.”

Davis believes readers will be “deeply moved” by Judge Mary Stone’s story. “This collaboration is a dream come true and I can’t wait to share the fruits of our creative synergy with the world,” she says.

Although publisher Little, Brown and Company has not yet announced the official release date, we can expect the hardcover edition to hit shelves sometime in 2025 or 2026, along with a simultaneous e-book and audiobook release. Davis won a Grammy for her audiobook narration of Find me; Is it too much to ask that she step back into the recording booth for this new novel?

Charley Burlock is an Associate Books Editor at Oprah Daily, where she writes, edits, and assigns stories on all literary topics. She holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from NYU, where she also taught creative writing to undergraduates. Her work has been featured in the AtlanticCThe Los Angeles Review, AgniThe Apple news today Podcast and elsewhere. She’s currently working on a book about collective grief (but she promises she’s really funny at parties).