Bantam will publish the first volume of a three-book thriller series co-written by idris elba and Adam Hamdy, with EXILES slated for release in May 2027. The announcement confirms U. S. and U. K. rights arrangements, substantial international translation sales and existing film and television plans tied to the project.
Idris Elba And Adam Hamdy’s Three-Book Deal
Executive Editor Julian Pavia acquired U. S. rights to three books in the new series from Nicola Barr at Rye Literary, while U. K. rights are with Katherine Armstrong at Simon & Schuster. Translation rights have been sold in 16 territories following fierce auctions. EXILES will appear as a Bantam hardcover in May 2027, and an audiobook edition will be released simultaneously by Penguin Random House Audio.
The series is a co-writing partnership between idris elba and Adam Hamdy. Hamdy is described as a Sunday Times and international bestselling author and screenwriter. Comments included with the announcement highlight a collaborative effort to develop the central character, Joe Kane, and to bring the books to international readers.
Plot And Setting: An MI6 Operative In Mauritius
The series centers on Joe Kane, an MI6 field operative tasked with handling complex and dangerous missions. In EXILES, Kane is deployed to the African island nation of Mauritius to investigate the attempted murder of another operative. Teaming up with Aliana Baptiste of the Mauritian Police, the pair uncover a conspiracy with global implications. The publishers describe EXILES as a “thrill-a-minute adventure” that takes readers beneath the surface of a vibrant tropical setting.
Both authors have framed the project in terms of its setting and stakes. Idris Elba commented that he has a personal interest in “shining a light on contemporary Africa” and sees the series as an opportunity to thrill readers while showcasing the continent’s dynamism. Adam Hamdy noted his long-standing admiration for idris elba’s work and expressed excitement about collaborating to bring the character to life.
Publishing Logistics And Screen Ambitions
EXILES will be published by Bantam, an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group, with a simultaneous audiobook. idris elba and Gina Carter’s production company, 22 Summers, holds the film and television rights, and the team has signaled intent to develop the property for screen while the books are released.
Editorial endorsements in the announcement praise the immediacy of the lead character and the Mauritius setting, suggesting the series is being positioned both for strong readership and cross-media adaptation. Gina Carter expressed enthusiasm about developing the project for screen, while the acquiring editor emphasized Joe Kane’s potential to join the ranks of notable modern thriller protagonists.
The coming months should clarify marketing plans, international publication schedules tied to the 16 translation deals, and the pace of any screen-development activity. For now, the confirmed elements are the three-book U. S. acquisition, the May 2027 hardcover and audiobook release of EXILES, the international translation sales, and the retention of film and TV rights by 22 Summers.
