Stacey Abrams’ latest novel just hit bookshelves yesterday, May 10, and an adaptation is already in the works. Deadline confirms Working Title Television scored the rights to “While Justice Sleeps” in a “competitive battle,” with plans to bring it to the small screen.
“While Justice Sleeps” marks Abrams’ ninth novel and the first published under her own name — her other books have been written under the pseudonym Selena Montgomery. From Penguin Random House, the legal thriller follows Avery Keene, a “brilliant young law clerk for the legendary Justice Howard Wynn, who is doing her best to hold her life together; excelling in an arduous job with the court while also dealing with a troubled family. When the shocking news breaks that Wynn – the cantankerous swing vote on many current high-profile cases – has slipped into a coma, Avery’s life turns upside down. She is immediately notified that Wynn has left instructions for her to serve as his legal guardian and power of attorney.”
The source continues, “Plunged into an explosive role she never anticipated, Avery finds that Wynn had been secretly researching one of the most controversial cases before the court—a proposed merger between an American biotech company and an Indian genetics firm, which promises to unleash breathtaking results in the medical field. She also discovers that Wynn suspected a dangerously related conspiracy that infiltrates the highest power corridors of Washington.”
Abrams is executive producing the “When Justice Sleeps” adaptation. Working Title’s Head of TV for the U.S., Katy Rozelle, will also EP.
“I created ‘While Justice Sleeps’ to unravel a political mystery about power and secrets through the eyes of a protagonist dealing with her own demons,” Abrams explained. “I am excited about the book’s release … and I look forward to working with Working Title Television and Universal Studio Group to bring the intriguing world of Avery Keene to television.”
Universal Studio Group chairman Pearlena Igbokwe added, “As the media landscape continues to flourish with infinite content, we are excited to embark on this journey with Stacey, who has played an instrumental role in the American narrative and now, television industry. We look forward to bringing a level of authenticity, cultural representation, and universal storytelling to this project, which we believe audiences will enjoy.”
Abrams has also penned non-fiction titles “Lead from the Outside” and “Our Time Is Now.” Three of her romance novels — “Rules of Engagement,” “The Art of Desire,” and “Power of Persuasion” — are set to be re-released next year.
The recent winner of the NAACP Image Awards’ inaugural Social Justice Impact honor, Abrams became the United States’ first Black female gubernatorial nominee for a major party when she ran for governor of Georgia in 2018. She experienced firsthand the devastating effects of voter suppression in that race. Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill further restricting voting rights in the state, inviting comparisons to Jim Crow laws and drawing widespread protest. Abrams is the central figure in the voter suppression doc “All In: The Fight for Democracy,” directed by Liz Garbus and Lisa Cortés.
Abrams helped boost voter turnout in Georgia during the 2020 election, playing a major part in Biden’s victory in the state, Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff winning Senate seats, and the Democrats regaining control of the Senate.
