A+E Studios has acquired exclusive rights to Sue Grafton's book series featuring private investigator protagonist Kinsey Millhone "in a competitive situation with multiple bidders," Deadline reported. Under the deal, the studio can develop and produce the entire library of the author's alphabet mysteries for TV.
Grafton died in 2017. This marks the first time screen rights to the book series have been made available, Deadline noted. Steve Humphrey, Grafton's husband for more than 40 years, is serving as executive producer on the adaptations.
"We are actively speaking with interested platforms and seeking a showrunner for the series, as well as the perfect actress to embody the coveted lead role of Kinsey Millhone," said A+E Studios president Barry Jossen. "Sue Grafton is the ultimate storyteller who spent decades entertaining readers through her rich characters and spellbinding mysteries."
Humphrey commented: "We are thrilled to be joining with A+E Studios to introduce Kinsey Millhone to a new and wider audience. The success of Sue's mysteries has always centered around her compelling characters, and, with the support of her family and children, we are committed to maintaining the tone and tenor of Sue's books that fans love. Working with the team at A+E Studios is the perfect partnership to making this a reality."