Clinton's Next Book: a Thriller Written With James Patterson

Bill Clinton's books: a 1,000-page autobiography, a couple of treatises on his political philosophy, books on the importance of giving and government, and ... a thriller? Yes, Clinton is collaborating with best-selling novelist James Patterson on The President Is Missing, due out June 2018, the AP reports. The book focuses on a sitting president, and the publishers say it's "a unique amalgam of intrigue, suspense and behind-the-scenes global drama from the highest corridors of power. It will be informed by details that only a president can know." Patterson says readers will get "an inside look into what it's like to be president."

In an unusual move, the book will not only be co-written but co-edited and co-published, with both Clinton's longtime publisher (Alfred A. Knopf) and Patterson's longtime publisher (Little, Brown and Co.) involved. This is Clinton's first novel, and the AP notes that while presidents and former presidents frequently author non-fiction books, novels are rare (Jimmy Carter did release one historical novel in 2003). The publishers aren't releasing any more details about the plot, but Vulture suspects the president who goes missing will be based on President Trump. No matter what the plot entails, the Week calls it "the dadest book of all time." (More Bill Clinton stories.)