Penguin Michael Joseph has pre-empted a “gripping and conversation-starting thriller” about the world of method acting from actor and writer Chris MacDonald.  

Titled The Method, publisher Joel Richardson acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment.

Publishing in hardback, e-book and audio in early 2024, the story follows Adam Sealey, a controversial method actor who finally seems set to win the Oscar that has always eluded him, following a successful reunion with his former mentor, Jonathan. But, the synopsis says, the two men share an awful secret, which dates back to Adam’s time in drama school. When it becomes clear someone is planning to expose them, Adam is forced to confront what they did, and why he’s always been driven to take things too far.

Richardson described the book as “dark and fascinating and full of irresistible details” while Mushens said it was “the kind of book you want to discuss with everyone once you have read it”.  

MacDonald added: “The Method has been deeply personal for me to write and as soon as I met Joel and heard his enthusiasm and strategy for the book, I knew we’d found the perfect fit. Penguin Michael Joseph publish brilliant books with innovation and panache and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with them.” 

MacDonald is a novelist, screenwriter, playwright and actor. His debut play, “Eye of a Needle”, played at the Southwark Playhouse and as an actor he’s worked for the BBC, the RSC and Amazon Studios among others. His screenwriting includes social horror “This Merrie Land for Agile” and his band Playground Champions have soundtracked the ITV show "Buffering".