Here is a statement from Michael Pietscho, CEO of Hachette Book Group: it's (Eruption) “one of the most spectacular meetings of minds in literary history.”
The novel is based on a partially finished manuscript by Crichton, who died in 2008. The author's wife, Sherri Crichton, along with CrichtonSun (Crichton's estate) gave the unfinished manuscript to James Patterson.
Similar Topic: Author George R.R. Martin Talks About ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Update
Here is a statement from James Patterson about the book project:
“I’ve read Michael Crichton’s thrillers avidly for decades and have always thought of him as one of the world’s best storytellers. I’m honored that Sherri Crichton entrusted this extraordinary story to me and that I had the opportunity to bring Crichton’s brilliant ideas to life. I’m particularly excited to have worked on this wonderfully prescient novel about Mauna Loa in light of current events. It’s as if Crichton could see into the future, and I’m eager to bring that vision to his readers and to mine.”
Here is a statement from the late Michael Crichton's wife, Sherri Crichton, explaining how her late husband has been working on the book for years:
“It was his passion project and centered in the place that inspired him the most, Hawaii. Michael had large volumes of scientific research, comprehensive notes, detailed outlines with extensive character bios and locations featured throughout the novel, as well as a number of interviews with volcanologists and it has been a privilege to work with James Patterson, the most successful author in the world to bring Michael’s original vision to life.”
The Story Factory (representing Crichton) and CAA (representing Patterson) will broker the screen right auction. Story Factory repped CrichtonSun in the book deal and Williams and Connolly’s Robert Barnett and Deneen Howell repped Patterson.
Here's a sneak peek on what the book is about: A once-in-a-century volcano eruption of Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano threatens a secret cache of chemical weapons that can destroy not only the island but the world.
source: Deadline