Netflix’s latest foray into the feature film game is an intriguing one: Tracking Board announces that the streaming service will adapt Mur Lafferty’s The Shambling Guide to New York City, about a travel writer who must write a guide to the Big Apple… for monsters and the undead. Sarah Bowen, Netflix’s Director of Content Acquisition, will oversee the project; she was a producer on two of Netflix’s recent features, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny and Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.
Lafferty shared her excitement on Twitter:
Too many people to thank for the wonderful response to the Netflix deal. Thanks to all of you. ????<3
— Mur Lafferty (@mightymur) June 28, 2016
The Shambling Guide, published by Orbit Books in 2013 and featuring cover art by Jamie McKelvie, will give Netflix the one-two punch of young adult and urban fantasy. Here’s the book summary:
A travel writer takes a job with a shady publishing company in New York, only to find that she must write a guide to the city—for the undead!
Because of the disaster that was her last job, Zoe is searching for a fresh start as a travel book editor in the tourist-centric New York City. After stumbling across a seemingly perfect position though, Zoe is blocked at every turn because of the one thing she can’t take off her resume—human.
Not to be put off by anything—especially not her blood drinking boss or death goddess coworker—Zoe delves deep into the monster world. But her job turns deadly when the careful balance between human and monsters starts to crumble—with Zoe right in the middle.
A sequel, Ghost Train to New Orleans, was published in 2014. No word yet on if Netflix will also adapt it, but if the first film is successful, it seems likely.
