James Patterson and Vicky Ward Collaborate on True Crime Book Exploring UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s Killing

Bestselling author James Patterson and investigative journalist Vicky Ward are teaming up on a new true crime book that examines the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the subsequent hunt for his alleged killer, Luigi Mangione.

This upcoming book, announced by Little Brown & Company, draws on exclusive interviews firsthand reporting, and court transcripts to chronicle both the tragedy and the complex narrative behind the case.

Mangione, an Ivy League graduate from a prominent real estate family, pleaded not guilty to a federal murder charge stemming from the December 2024 shooting outside a Manhattan hotel.

The story explores themes described by Patterson as “the American Dream gone wrong” following Mangione’s descent from privileged background to accused killer and his controversial portrayal as a political martyr.

This project follows Patterson and Ward’s recent successful collaboration on The Idaho Four a bestseller about a notorious murder of four University of Idaho students. The new book on Brian Thompson is currently untitled and has no announced release date.

The collaboration promises an in-depth look at a high-profile crime that has captivated public and media attention, highlighting social issues alongside the criminal investigation.