Universal Television has acquired the development of Katherine Adele West’s new novel “Strangers Behind Closed Doors,” Variety exclusively reports.
The novel will be released by Park Row on June 9th. LaToya Morgan (Washington’s Spies, The Walking Dead) will adapt and executive produce the book under a mini-first-look deal with UTV. Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man, Harlem) will direct and executive produce alongside Dominic Telson through his Blackmald Productions under a first-look deal between the company and UTV. Michael Allen will direct the Blackmaled project. West will serve as producer and UTV will serve as the studio.
“I knew Malcolm and the team at Blackmald Productions had the best vision for my book and would do everything in their power to make it a reality,” West said. “Thanks to Universal Television, we can’t think of a better home for The Stranger Behind Closed Doors!”
The official logline for the project reads, “After a public outburst with a former friend, the first black head concierge at Chicago’s most exclusive hotel becomes the prime suspect in the woman’s disappearance, until determined detective Redding Stark teams up with her to uncover a dangerous plot targeting black women.”
“From the moment we heard the premise of Catherine’s book, we knew we had to lean in and be a part of bringing this amazing story to television,” Lee said. “And by teaming up with LaToya Morgan, this is a powerful package of rich storytelling.”
In addition to Strangers Behind Closed Doors, West has written the novels Saving the Ruby King and The Two Life of Sarah. Her short story “Star of Orion” was published in the body positive anthology “Every Body Shines”.
Mr. Morgan is repped by WME and Eclipse Law. Blackmaled Productions is represented by IAG, Del Shaw Moonves and Bazan Entertainment. West is represented by MGMT. Entertainment and Laura Dale Literary Agency.
