Red Planet Pictures (a Fremantle company), one of the UK’s leading production companies of popular, internationally successful drama, announces today that it has optioned It’s Not What You Think, the latest thriller from Clare Mackintosh, former police officer and award-winning author of seven Sunday Times bestselling novels, in advance of the book’s publication in March.
Mackintosh’s debut thriller, I Let You Go, won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and has since won copious accolades and awards. Described by Lee Child as a “solid gold storyteller at the top of her game”, Mackintosh’s novels have now sold over three million copies worldwide and spent a combined total of 64 weeks in the Sunday Times bestseller lists.
Kam Odedra is formally attached to adapt the series, having previously written on Hijack, Lupin and most recently the penultimate episode of Critic’s Choice winning and Golden Globe nominated smash hit All Her Fault.
Relentlessly twisty and undeniably jaw-dropping, It’s Not What You Think is one of the most anticipated book releases of 2026. Bold and confronting, the novel is helmed by two wildly different protagonists – Nadeeka Prasanna and Detective Chief Inspector Lauren Caldwell – who are forced together after Nadeeka’s life is turned upside down upon finding her new partner, Jamie, murdered and her home a crime scene. Embarking on parallel investigations, the two women are taken down dark, sinister and diverging paths in a race against time. Everyone has a secret, but only one person knows the truth… and none of what emerges is what you think.
Red Planet Pictures secured the rights in a highly competitive auction, with multiple offers for the option from buyers worldwide. It’s Not What You Think is the first novel of Mackintosh’s to be published with HarperFiction since joining them last year.
The deal rights were handled by Alex Jones for Red Planet Pictures. Clare Mackintosh is represented by Camilla Young and Sheila Crowley at Curtis Brown.
Kicking off a bumper year for the company, which recently celebrated turning 20, this news also comes on the back of Red Planet Pictures’ recent announcement of Tom Leggett’s appointment in the newly created role of Creative Director. This year also sees two of the company’s new drama commissions go into production for ITV: the adaptation of Broadchurch creator, Chris Chibnall’s debut novel, Death at the White Hart (a co-production with Chibnall’s Imaginary Friends) and a new thriller, also for ITV, which will be announced soon.
Clare Mackintosh said: “It’s Not What You Think is my most ambitious thriller yet. Red Planet Pictures’ vision and drive makes them the perfect partner, and I couldn’t be more honoured to have Kam Odedra on board.”
Belinda Campbell, Co-CEO of Red Planet Pictures said: “Clare is a best-selling author for a reason – taking readers on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns and pulling the rug from you when you least expect it; and It’s Not What You Think is no exception. We’re thrilled Clare has entrusted us with the TV adaptation and excited by Kam’s singular and compelling plans for the series. A hugely accomplished and characterful thriller writer, Kam is perfectly placed to bring this prescient story to life on screen. We can’t wait to get started.”