Bill Clinton and James Patterson Are Writing a Thriller Together

The former President and the best-selling author announced the joint novel.

May 8, 2017 1:58 pm
Former U.S. President Clinton, pictured here at the Clinton Global Initiative 2015 on September 29, 2015 in New York City, will co-write a thriller with novelist James Patterson. (JP Yim/Getty Images)
Former U.S. President Clinton, pictured here at the Clinton Global Initiative 2015 on September 29, 2015 in New York City, will co-write a thriller with novelist James Patterson. (JP Yim/Getty Images)

Bill Clinton has joined a winning ticket for a literary campaign.

The former president and best-selling author James Patterson will co-author a book called The President is Missing. The thriller is planned for release in June next year.

The story will be “a unique amalgam of intrigue, suspense and behind-the-scenes global drama from the highest corridors of power. It will be informed by details that only a president can know,” according to a statement to the Associated Press.

Author James Patterson photographed Lincoln Center on May 25, 2011 in New York City. (Janette Pellegrini/Getty Images for Disney Publishing)

The President is Missing brings together another unexpected pairing—aside from the former President and besting-selling novelist. Publishing rivals Alfred A. Knopf—which has long represented Clinton—and Little, Brown and Co.—Patterson’s publisher for years—will partner for a joint release of the book.

“Working on a book about a sitting president — drawing on what I know about the job, life in the White House and the way Washington works — has been a lot of fun,” Clinton told the Associated Press. “And working with Jim has been terrific. I’ve been a fan of his for a very long time.”

Clinton’s writing credits include My Life, the best-selling autobiography released in 2004.

Patterson’s books have sold over 300 million copies and several have film and television adaptations.

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