Also eager for the role is Philip's Treasure Island co-star, Rupert Penry-Jones. The Telegraph reports that they are both in discussions with two separate production companies.
Given that Philip is a close personal friend of Paul Mendelson, one would hope that the author might be able to exert some influence. It seems he is hopeful too. Speaking at the books official launch yesterday, Mendelson said:
Ultimately, I guess the publisher decides and I guess I’m part of that decision. Phil is one of my oldest friends. I’ve known him for 30 years and he was in the back of my mind when I wrote it.”
It's a jaw-droppingly brilliant crime thriller. The characters, the setting, the layer upon layer of mystery are all masterfully realised. Imagine The Killing being moved to Cape Town and the icy Scandinavian landscape transformed into the relentlessly hot and dusty African veld. Just read it.