Century announces new novel from Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon and novelist Harlan Coben

Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House, has announced a new novel from actor Reese Witherspoon and novelist Harlan Coben. The Oscar winner and the author have joined up to write a thriller, set to be published in hardbook, e-book and audio in autumn 2025. The novel, which has a title yet to be confirmed, will be based on an original idea from Witherspoon. The co-writers say they "have been developing the concept, creating characters and writing pages over many months".

Selina Walker, publisher of Century at Penguin Random House UK, brokered the UK & Commonwealth (excl. Canada) rights deal with Cait Hoyt at CAA for Witherspoon and Lisa Erbach Vance at the Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency for Coben. Grand Central will publish simultaneously in North America. The book will be published around the world in the autumn of 2025 in hardcover, ebook and audio editions.

Witherspoon said: "To say I am a fan of Harlan’s body of work is a massive understatement. Scheming with Harlan on how to thrill audiences with mysterious characters and complex narrative twists and turns has already been more fun than I can describe."

She wrote in a post on social media: “I’m beyond excited to share that I’m co-writing my very first thriller with #1 bestselling author, Harlan Coben! As a massive fan of Harlan’s work, I can’t believe he agreed to co-author a novel with me. I’m either the most persuasive person alive or the idea of this book is just TOO GOOD! Maybe both?? I honestly can’t wait for you all to read it!”

Coben said: "Once we began discussing her idea, there was no turning back. Collaborating with Reese has been a pure joy and so creatively rewarding. I could not be more excited about putting this novel out into the world.”

Walker said: “Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben working together is a powerhouse combination, and for me a dream come true. They are both such masters of their arts,” she added. “No one tells a suspenseful story like Harlan, or can get under the skin of her characters like Reese does. I am in awe of them both, and simply cannot wait to read what they produce together.”