Based out of London, New Regency Television International recently produced thriller “The Beast Must Die,”starring Cush Jumbo and Jared Harris, for BritBox U.K. The project is the latest for the “Bohemian Rhapsody” producer’s burgeoning television operation. “‘Hell’s Half-Acre’ is in fantastic hands at New Regency, and I am very excited to be a part of the development process as it unfolds,” said Jonusas. Jonusas has written for both CNN and History Today. She studied modern history and English literature at the University of St Andrews in Scotland before going on to complete a masters in the history of science, technology and medicine at Kings College London.

Jonusas is a historian specializing in crime and culture in the 19th and 20th century. Yariv Milchan, chairman of New Regency, added: “‘Hell’s Half-Acre’ is a magnificent book that captures America as a country on the edge of civilization, and lends itself so well to a bold, serialized adaptation for television.” We’re so excited about the possibilities for a visceral drama that interweaves western, horror and thriller, and can’t wait to start developing it.” Rubin and Emma Broughton, head of scripted at New Regency Television International, said: “Susan’s compelling and richly textured book reads like the best page-turning thriller as it introduces us to a fascinating cast of characters previously missing from history - the victims’ families, the hapless detectives who lost the trail, and the fugitives who helped the murdering Benders escape. The deal was brokered between Simon Shaps of Georgina Capel Associates and Ed Rubin, head of New Regency Television International. The title will be published by Scribner in the U.K.

The book, which will be released in March 2022, draws on extensive original archival material.

Hell's Half-Acre by Susan Jonusas