INDIANAPOLIS — James Patterson is one of the most popular storytellers of our time.
He has written more than 100 New York Times bestselling books featuring unforgettable characters and series, like Alex Cross, the Women's Murder Club, Jane Smith and Maximum Ride — as well as true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon and Tiger Woods.
Patterson, who previously coauthored books with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, is teaming up for his newest book, "Eruption," with the late Michael Crichton, who is best known for writing "Jurassic Park" – which he later adapted for the Steven Spielberg film – creating "ER" and writing the screenplays for "Twister" and "Westworld."
"Sherri (Crichton) sent this partial manuscript and what I loved about it right off the bat is there's this double storyline, which is unusual, and the storylines merge," Patterson said. "One is this volcano that threatens to be the worst in history ... and at the same time, there's toxic waste that's been buried on the island by the military, and if the lava strikes, it could destroy life as we know it on Earth."
Sherri, the CEO of multimedia company CrichtonSun, is helping carry on the legacy of her late husband by safeguarding his existing catalog, while also introducing other unpublished works to new generations and audiences worldwide.
"It's a true honor. He has been such a great partner, phenomenal collaborator," Sherri said of Patterson. "To see the way he's respected Michael's work and broaden all this new life and woven the two stories together so seamlessly is nothing short of honorable and exciting."
And as is common these days, it sounds like there's already plans for "Eruption" to be adapted for the screen — whether it be a film or TV series.
"What I can say – we're in the gag order here – there is something big brewing," Sherri said.
"Our mission is in the same way Michael and Spielberg, when they got together, they wanted to elevate the genre. That's what we want to do with this," Patterson said.
"Eruption" is now available to buy online and in stores.