Viola Davis and James Patterson are collaborating on a novel set in the present-day rural South, featuring Judge Mary Stone facing a decision with national repercussions. The untitled book, to be published by Little, Brown and Company in 2025 or 2026, marks Davis's first foray into adult fiction. The project will be distributed in North America by Hachette Book Group and in the UK by Century, excluding Canada. This partnership brings together Davis's storytelling prowess and Patterson's narrative depth, creating anticipation for a compelling and moving read that highlights important societal issues.