Stephen King pens supernatural suspense novel with son Owen

Stephen King is publishing a supernatural suspense novel with his son Owen - the first time the pair have collaborated.

Sleeping Beauties asks the question: "What would happen if all the women abandoned the world?"

Hodder & Stoughton has snapped up British Commonwealth and audio rights to the title, which will be published on 26th September 2017, after Jamie Hodder‐Williams cut the deal with Chuck Verrill, of Darhansoff & Verrill, representing Stephen King, and Jenny Meyer of the Jenny Meyer Literary Agency on behalf of The Williams Company, representing Owen King. Translation rights are handled by Jenny Meyer and Chris Lotts of The Lotts Agency, who represents Stephen King.

Owen King's first novel, Double Feature, published with Scribner in March 2013. He is Stephen King's youngest son and the brother of Joe Hill, who most recently authored literary thriller The Fireman (Gollancz), whose semi-pseudonym concealed his family connection for close to a decade. His real name is Joseph Hillstrom King.

Editor Philippa Pride said: "We are thrilled that these two hugely talented writers – father and son – have come together to write such an exciting, powerful and original novel, rich with beautiful imagery and arresting characters. It is a wonderful achievement and publication will be a major event."

A simultaneous audio edition will be published by Hodder Audio.